Tamil Nadu Government Pushes to Make CM Vijay Chancellor of State Universities
Chennai, July 9, 2026Tamil Nadu’s TVK (Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam) government is pushing to make Chief Minister Vijay the chancellor of state universities, replacing incumbent Governor R.N. Ravi. If the proposal succeeds, it would bring significant changes to the administration of state universities.State Education Minister P. Vishwanathan told reporters on Tuesday that the proposal reflects the…
Chennai, July 9, 2026
Tamil Nadu’s TVK (Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam) government is pushing to make Chief Minister Vijay the chancellor of state universities, replacing incumbent Governor R.N. Ravi. If the proposal succeeds, it would bring significant changes to the administration of state universities.
State Education Minister P. Vishwanathan told reporters on Tuesday that the proposal reflects the government’s long-standing position that the state’s elected head should oversee its universities. He said the matter was discussed at a meeting chaired by CM Vijay, adding: “For years, the Governor has been the chancellor. Last year, there was a challenge over whether the chancellor should be the Governor or the Chief Minister. Our demand is that the Chief Minister be the chancellor.”
This marks the first time the TVK government has publicly stated its position on this sensitive issue. The question of gubernatorial powers over higher education has been politically contentious in several Indian states.
Alongside the chancellorship proposal, the government has also decided to restructure the vice-chancellor appointment process. The current search committee has three members — one nominee each from the Governor, the state government, and the universities — but under the new plan, this panel will be expanded to five members.
The proposal has already been sent to Governor R.N. Ravi for approval. If approved, it would bring two major changes: the Chief Minister would replace the Governor as chancellor of state universities, and the state government would gain greater representation in vice-chancellor selection through the expanded search committee. However, final implementation will depend on the approval process and a fresh review of the legal framework governing state universities.
