THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Legislative Assembly has passed the controversial Universities Laws (Amendment) Bill, which limits the powers of the chancellor, the governor, in universities. The opposition raised strong opposition to the bill and boycotted the assembly alleging that it was an attempt to make puppets as vice-chancellors.

The ruling party and the opposition raised strong arguments in the House. KT Jaleel said that with the inclusion of five members in the VC appointment panel, RSS interference in universities can be prevented. But the reaction of the opposition was that the influence of communism in the universities is as dangerous as the influence of the RSS. Former opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala alleged that the government’s stance is arrogant and immoral and that the government is trying to change laws that are against the interests.

The UGC rules state that members of the search committee should not be affiliated with the university. Therefore, the amendment will not stand in court. Minister R. Bindu said that the university law amendment is in accordance with the rules.

Although the bill has been passed by the House, there are still concerns about whether the governor will sign it. A special legislative session was convened to enact the repealed ordinances after the governor did not sign them. The session will end today.