President Returns University of Madras Amendment Bill to Tamil Nadu Government
The President has returned the University of Madras Amendment Bill to the Tamil Nadu government, declining to grant assent to the legislation passed by the State Assembly in April 2022. The Bill sought to amend existing laws to give the State government greater control over the 168-year-old University of Madras, including enhanced powers in appointments and administration.
The legislation was sent for Presidential assent as it involved changes affecting a central law–linked institution. The return of the Bill comes at a time when the university has been functioning without a Vice-Chancellor for over two years, raising concerns about administrative delays and academic governance.
Sources said the Centre raised objections to certain provisions, particularly those related to the role of the Governor and the appointment process. The State government is now expected to review the Bill and decide whether to amend it or take further steps.
The development is the latest in a series of disagreements between the Tamil Nadu government and the Centre over control and governance of higher education institutions in the State.
