Himachal Pradesh Assembly Passes University Oversight Bill

The Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly passed the Himachal Pradesh State Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2026, via voice vote on September 3. The legislation increases state government oversight of financial and institutional governance across state universities to curb mismanagement.

Under the new law, the state government's Secretary of Finance will chair the Finance Committee for every state university. All matters with financial implications, including the creation of new posts and pay revisions, now require approval from this committee and the state government. Additionally, the bill mandates that all teaching and non-teaching appointments be conducted through the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission and the Himachal Pradesh Raj Chayan Aayog, with teaching posts adhering to University Grants Commission standards.

Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, defended the measures as necessary for transparency and the proper utilization of government grants. However, Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur condemned the legislation, alleging that the Chief Minister intends to run universities like government departments. Thakur stated that the Bharatiya Janata Party is considering a High Court challenge to protect institutional autonomy, while also criticizing the government for rising state debt and recruitment irregularities.