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State university academics are threatening to intensify their protests over the University Grants Commission’s decision to revise the system of appointing deans and department heads, a move they say undermines the autonomy of higher education institutions.
In a letter to vice chancellors, the UGC urged them not to appoint new deans or department heads until further notice, while a proposed amendment to the system of appointments is pending.
The academics launched a one-day token strike on December 30, with the Federation of University Teachers’ Associations (FUTA) accusing the UGC of unnecessary intervention in university autonomy. FUTA also expressed concern over the absence of a specific time frame in the UGC’s letter to VCs for implementing the new system. Instead, the letter advises the VCs not to make appointments “until further notice”.
FUTA President Prof. P.R. Weerathunga warned of tougher trade union action if the UGC and political authorities failed to address their concerns.
He noted that universities have the legal authority to remain independent and autonomous, as they are governed by their own councils, vice chancellors, and registrars. This autonomy, he said, has been undermined by the UGC’s action.
Prof. Weerathunga told the Sunday Times that the UGC directive was illegal because it contradicted the Universities Act No. 16 of 1978, which outlines the process for appointing deans and department heads.
The UGC letter, however, states that VCs may appoint only acting deans and department heads until such time as the new system comes into force. The FUTA chief said the instructions created unnecessary complexity and stress, especially at Rajarata University, which has been without a vice-chancellor for one and a half years. The university council followed legal procedures and nominated candidates, but the UGC, by rejecting the nominations, aggravated an avoidable administrative issue.
The UGC letter follows a Cabinet decision to amend the Universities Act No. 16 of 1978 to remove ambiguities and inconsistencies in Sections 49(1) and 51(1) regarding the qualifications for the posts of deans and heads of department.
In response to FUTA protests, UGC Vice-Chairman Professor K. L. Wasantha Kumara said the letter was issued in “good faith” and assured that once the new amendment is passed, the expanded pool of candidates will be able to apply for the posts.
He also said that if deans and department heads were appointed permanently under the existing rules, they would hold office for three years, preventing others from benefiting from the new opportunities provided by the amendments.
Prof. Kumara said that if vice-chancellors insist a position must be filled permanently and immediately, and convey their decision, the UGC could lift the restrictions for that specific instance within a week or two.
By Sajeniya Sathanandan