Team Herald

PANJIM: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant's plan to get himself appointed as the Pro-Chancellor (PC) of Goa University (GU) has been strongly condemned and opposed by Congress, who says political interference in the functioning of the educational institution will kill its autonomy.  

During the monsoon session of the State Legislative Assembly, Sawant had announced his plans to move a bill during next session, to amend the Goa University Act, in a bid to appoint himself as PC of GU. 

Later, Vice-Chancellor (VC) Varun Sahani also urged the CM to take charge as PC. 

Goa Congress President Girish Chodankar said Congress strongly condemns and opposes the move to appoint the CM as PC of the State's only university. "We strongly believe that the University, which is an autonomous body, should be kept at a distance from political interference. However, the VC’s invite to the CM to be Pro-Chancellor is an open attempt to politically interfere in the educational affairs," he charged. 

Chodankar said that the limited autonomy enjoyed by GU at this point, will also be killed by such a move by the govt, which he added, is not only harmful for GU’s functioning but also for the students. 

He added that it’s "very painful" to see that the VC, who is appointed as the authority to protect the autonomy of the institution, is the one who has encouraged political interference. "Political interference will weaken the very foundation of this autonomous educational institution," he said, while questioning the ulterior motive of the VC behind the proposal. 

Chodankar pointed out that of the total 907 universities across country, including Goa, very few universities have a PC. Out of which, majority are educationists, while one or two are from the political class, he pointed out. 

Congress suggested that the Government conducts a stringent financial audit as well as a performance audit of GU, if its move is aimed towards keeping a watch on the University’s functioning. 

He said Congress is hopeful that the CM will rethink this proposal in the interest of Goa University. 

Further, Chodankar claimed that Education Secretary Nila Mohanan has registered herself as student with Goa University last year for conducting PhD, under the guidance of the VC. He said that it will give rise to conflict of interest as there could be possibility of favouritism towards the University, from the Education Secretary, every time the GU puts up a proposal before government.