Sudhanshu Sharma
Shimla
The Himachal Pradesh University Teachers’ Welfare Association (HPUTWA) has strongly opposed the state government’s proposed bill, calling it a “dictatorial decision” that strikes at the administrative, financial, and academic autonomy of all universities in the state. The association has demanded that the bill be withdrawn immediately.
A delegation of HPUTWA met Hon’ble Governor of Himachal Pradesh today and apprised him of the serious concerns of the teaching community regarding the proposed legislation. The delegation explained that the bill could adversely affect the established administrative framework, financial powers, and autonomy of the universities.
The representatives emphasised that universities are not merely teaching institutions but centres of knowledge, research, innovation, and independent thought. They said that maintaining autonomy is essential for preserving the quality of higher education and warned that any attempt to weaken it would pose a grave challenge to the state’s academic system.
HPUTWA also pointed out that the recruitment and selection process for teachers and academic positions is governed by the University Grants Commission (UGC) norms, which ensure transparency and academic standards. Any deviation from these norms, the association cautioned, could affect university functioning and even jeopardise UGC grants and financial assistance.
The delegation urged the Governor to intervene and ensure that the administrative, financial, and academic independence of universities is protected. It also stressed that any major decision affecting universities should be taken only after wide consultation with teachers, academicians, and the university community.
The delegation was led by HPUTWA President Prof. Nitin Vyas, and included Dr. Ankush Bhardwaj (General Secretary), Dr. Yograj (Vice President), Prof. Chandermohan (President, Alumni Association), Prof. Sanjay, Dr. Rakesh, Dr. Dheeraj Rawat, and Dr. Joginder Saklani.
After meeting the Governor, HPUTWA members held a mass protest outside the Vice-Chancellor’s office at Himachal Pradesh University. Nearly all faculty members participated, raising slogans against the proposed bill and demanding its withdrawal.
Speakers including Dr. Surender Sharma, Dr. Rajesh, Dr. Priyanka Vaidya, Dr. Sunny Atwal, and Dr. Joginder Saklani addressed the gathering, asserting that university autonomy is vital for strengthening higher education. They said that recruitment and appointments must continue to follow UGC norms of merit and transparency, warning that any interference would harm academic freedom and research quality.
Prof. Nitin Vyas declared that the teaching community would not accept any assault on university autonomy, stating that the issue concerns not only teachers but also the future of higher education and coming generations. Dr. Ankush Bhardwaj added that the faculty stands united to defend autonomy and urged the government to reconsider the bill and withdraw provisions that undermine universities’ powers.
HPUTWA made it clear that if the government fails to address these concerns and withdraw the bill, the movement will be intensified across the state. The association reaffirmed its commitment to continue the struggle peacefully and democratically to safeguard the autonomy, financial rights, and academic freedom of Himachal’s universities.
