Amid the tussle between Punjab Governor Banwari Lal Purohit and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann over various issues, the Punjab Assembly on Tuesday passed Punjab University Laws (Amendment) Bill 2023 to vest the powers of Chancellors of state universities with the CM.
Summarising the debate on the floor of the House, the CM said Punjab has its own rich culture, traditions and heritage.
He said to carry forward this legacy, men of high integrity, prudence and repute need to be appointed in the universities of the state as Vice Chancellors.
Mann, however, said the Governor, who is not from the state and is not aware of its history and culture, creates unnecessary hurdles in it.
He said it is surprising the Governor knows nothing about the state but is empowered to appoint the VCs which is totally unfair.
The CM said contrary to securing the interests of the state, the Punjab Governor is often seen on the other side.
Citing the issue of Panjab University, he said instead of safeguarding the interests of Punjab and Punjabis, the Governor had been taking the stance in favour of Haryana to allow its entry in the senate of university.
Mann said this is a very strange situation as the Governor just to appease his political masters sitting in Delhi is doing all these gimmicks.
The CM said it is brazen disrespect of the verdict of people that has elected the state government to work for their well being.
He said on lines of the Bill already passed by West Bengal, the Punjab government has formulated this Bill which will entrust the powers of chancellor of the universities with the CM.
Mann said with the formation of this Act the CM and not the Governor, will be the chancellor of the universities of the state.
The CM said no interference of the Governor is required in the day to day functioning of the affairs of the state.
He said the state government is committed to securing the interests of Punjab, Punjabi and Punjabiat adding that no stone will be left unturned for this noble cause.
Mann said that the state government will take every step to restore the pristine glory of the state.