The Assembly on Thursday gave its nod for the Annamalai University Bill, 2013, which seeks to end the principal character of the country’s first private university by allowing the government to exercise control over the 84-year-old institution.
The Bill, repealing the Annamalai University Act of 1929, formally ends the relationship enjoyed by the family of the university founder Annamalai Chettiar, with the institution.
As per the Bill, Governor will continue as Chancellor and Higher Education Minister will be Pro-Chancellor, a post until recently held by the family.
“Will serve as warning”
Welcoming the government’s move to take full control of the university, Communist Party of India deputy leader S. Gunasekaran said this would serve as a warning to all educational institutions in the State.
CPI (Marxist) whip K. Balakrishnan suggested that the government consider at a later stage incorporating a provision for a Senate in the legislation.
Higher Education Minister P. Palaniappan referred to the Thiruvalluvar University, Vellore, which had been functioning well without a Senate and said this model was sought to be replicated.
Puthiya Tamizhagam leader K. Krishnasamy requested the government to provide an opportunity to the family to rectify its mistakes and let the family retain the post of Pro-Chancellor.
