Rajasthan Assembly Passes Universities Laws (Amendment) Bill by Voice Vote

Jaipur: The Rajasthan Assembly passed the Rajasthan Universities Laws (Amendment) Bill on Thursday by voice vote, approving a change in the Hindi nomenclature of vice-chancellors and pro-vice-chancellors in state-funded universities.

Vice-Chancellors to Be Called ‘Kulguru’ in Hindi

During the discussion, Higher Education Minister Prem Chand Bairwa explained that the vice-chancellor serves as the principal executive and academic officer in Rajasthan’s state-funded universities.

He highlighted the ancient ‘Guru-Shishya Parampara’ (teacher-disciple tradition) as the reason behind the government’s decision to change the Hindi designations. Under the new law:

• Vice-chancellors will be referred to as ‘Kulguru’ in Hindi.
• Pro-vice-chancellors will be called ‘Pratikulguru’.
   

"This change will be applicable only in the Hindi version of university documents. The English designations will remain the same," Bairwa clarified.

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During the debate, Leader of Opposition Tika Ram Jully questioned the appointment process of vice-chancellors in Rajasthan’s 32 government-aided universities.

"Only four vice-chancellors are from Rajasthan. Most of them are from Uttar Pradesh," Jully pointed out.

Independent MLA Ravindra Singh Bhati alleged corruption in the appointment of vice-chancellors. He also criticized the state of higher education, claiming that:

• Many universities were struggling to pay professors’ salaries.
• Several teaching positions remained vacant.

Jully argued that simply renaming the positions would not improve the education system. "Unless the values of Sanatan Dharma and Vedic culture are incorporated, this name change will not make any difference," he added.

Bill Passed Amid Heated Debate

Despite opposition concerns, the Rajasthan Assembly passed the Bill by voice vote, making the title change official in all 32 government-aided universities across the state.