Sign in Subscribe
Governors

Himachal Pradesh Government Withdraws Advertisements for University Vice-Chancellor Posts Amid Row with Governor

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Himachal Pradesh government has withdrawn two advertisements issued to fill the vacant vice-chancellor (V-C) posts at Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry in Nauni and CSK Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University in Palampur. The advertisements were issued by selection committees constituted by Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla in his capacity as the chancellor of both universities. The government has termed the advertisements "illegal" and contrary to the spirit of the Constitution, citing the advice of the Advocate General. The move comes amid a row between the state government and the Raj Bhavan over various issues, including drug abuse and revenue land.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Himachal Pradesh government has withdrawn two advertisements issued to fill the vacant vice-chancellor (V-C) posts at Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry in Nauni and CSK Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University in Palampur.
  • The advertisements were issued by selection committees constituted by Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla in his capacity as the chancellor of both universities.
  • The government has termed the advertisements "illegal" and contrary to the spirit of the Constitution, citing the advice of the Advocate General.
  • The move comes amid a row between the state government and the Raj Bhavan over various issues, including drug abuse and revenue land.
  • The Himachal Pradesh Assembly had passed the Himachal Pradesh Universities of Agriculture, Horticulture and Forestry (Amendment) Bill, 2023, which was returned by the governor seeking changes.
  • The Bill is likely to be taken up again in the Monsoon Session beginning September 18.
  • The governor's move to issue the advertisements was discussed extensively in the recently held Cabinet meeting under Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on July 27.

Statistics:

  • 2023: The Himachal Pradesh Assembly passed the Himachal Pradesh Universities of Agriculture, Horticulture and Forestry (Amendment) Bill, 2023.
  • 2025: The Palampur agriculture university post has been vacant since 2023, while the Nauni horticulture university post has been vacant since May 2025.
  • July 21: The selection committees issued advertisements for the vice-chancellor posts at the two universities.
  • July 26: State Agriculture Minister Chander Kumar wrote a letter to the Governor's secretariat urging that the selection process be halted.
  • July 27: A decision to withdraw the selection process initiated by the Raj Bhavan was taken in the Cabinet meeting under Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.
  • September 18: The Monsoon Session of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly is set to begin.

Sources:

  • IE Online Media Services Pvt. Ltd.
  • Contify.com

Read more