Bill Summary

• The Himachal Pradesh Universities of Agriculture, Horticulture and Forestry (Amendment) Bill, 2023, was introduced in the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly on September 20, 2023.  It seeks to amend the Himachal Pradesh Universities of Agriculture, Horticulture and Forestry Act, 1986.  The Act enforces uniform standards of teaching and research in the fields of agriculture, horticulture, and forestry in two universities in the state.  These Universities are the Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, and Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry.

• Powers of Chancellor: Under the Act, the Governor of Himachal Pradesh is the ex officio Chancellor of the University.  The Chancellor has the authority to exercise powers and perform duties as prescribed under the Act.  The Bill amends to specify that the Chancellor shall exercise his powers and perform his duties on the aid and advice of the Himachal Pradesh government.  

• Appointment of the Vice-Chancellor:  The Act provides that the Vice-Chancellor will be appointed by the Chancellor on the recommendations of a Selection Committee.  The Committee comprises: (i) a nominee of the Chancellor, (ii) the Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, and (iii) the Chairperson of the Universities Grants Commission or his nominee.  The Chancellor will nominate any of the members in the Committee as its Chairman.  The Bill removes this procedure and provides that the Vice-Chancellor will be appointed by the Chancellor, based on the aid and advice of the state government.  The manner of appointment may be prescribed by rules.