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Governor Blocks Bill Allowing Bureaucrats as University VCs
Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori rejects the bill allowing bureaucrats as VCs, citing HEC guidelines. Should universities be led by academicians or bureaucrats?
ND
by News Desk
2025-02-12
Governor Blocks Bill Allowing Bureaucrats as University VCs

The Sindh government's controversial move to allow bureaucrats to serve as vice-chancellors (VCs) in universities across the province faced a significant setback on Tuesday after Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori refused to grant his assent to the Sindh Universities and Institutes Laws (Amendment) Bill. The bill has now been returned to the provincial assembly for reconsideration.

The bill, which was passed on January 31 by the Sindh Assembly amid protests from opposition parties, enables officers of BPS-21 or above to be appointed as vice-chancellors in public sector universities. However, Governor Tessori raised strong objections, arguing that the Federal Higher Education Commission (HEC) clearly mandates that university VCs must be academicians.

Objections from the Governor

Governor Tessori emphasized that appointing bureaucrats as VCs would undermine the academic leadership, research, and administrative expertise that are essential for running higher education institutions. He pointed out that other provinces are following the HEC guidelines, which require VCs to be individuals with strong academic backgrounds, usually possessing PhD degrees.

“Bureaucrats lack a thorough understanding of the educational needs of students, faculty members, and researchers,” he said, stressing that the leadership of universities should remain in the hands of experienced academicians.

Opposition and Public Backlash

The bill faced strong criticism not only from opposition parties, including the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf-backed Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), but also from academic circles and civil rights activists. Professors' associations and education campaigners have also voiced their concerns, warning that the decision would severely impact the quality of education in Sindh’s universities.

Legal Implications Under Article 116

Under Article 116 of the Constitution, any bill passed by the provincial assembly is sent to the governor for assent. According to Section 2(b) of the article, the governor can return the bill to the assembly with a request for reconsideration and suggested amendments.

Section 3 of the article further states that if the bill is passed again by the assembly, with or without amendments, the governor must then grant his assent. This means that if the Sindh Assembly pushes the bill through once more, Governor Tessori will be constitutionally bound to approve it.

What’s Next?

With the bill now back in the Sindh Assembly, the provincial government must decide whether to amend it as per the governor’s objections or pass it again in its original form. If the assembly reapproves the bill, it could reshape the leadership structure of universities in Sindh, despite widespread resistance from academia and opposition parties.

The debate over whether universities should be led by experienced academicians or high-ranking bureaucrats is far from over, with educators and students closely watching how the Sindh government proceeds.
Tagged:

SindhEducation

HigherEducation

AcademicLeadership

EducationMatters

UniversityVC
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