Shimla, September 2, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Himachal Pradesh Assembly on Wednesday passed the Himachal Pradesh State University (Amendment) Bill, 2026, by a voice vote, clearing the way for recruitment of professors and other staff at the state’s six government universities through the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission and the State Selection Commission.
However, recruitment of Associate Professors will continue to be conducted by the respective universities.
Under the amended provisions, Himachal Pradesh Finance Secretary Abhishek Jain will serve as Chairperson of the Finance Committees of all six universities. The Executive Councils of the universities will be required to accept the committees’ recommendations on financial matters.
Replying to the debate, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the government should consider routing recruitment to Class III and Class IV posts through the Selection Commission or another similar agency. He also said the government was considering a nodal agency for conducting examinations for private universities.
Sukhu said the new system would strengthen financial accountability and promote transparency in recruitment, with appointments being made on merit and benefiting the state’s youth.
Opposing the Bill, BJP MLA Randhir Sharma described it as an attack on university autonomy. He pointed out that universities receive grants from both the state government and the University Grants Commission (UGC), and said the government should consider the possible implications for UGC funding.
Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur questioned the Bill’s legal sustainability, arguing that several previous government Bills had faced judicial setbacks.
Sukhu acknowledged that some government legislation had been struck down or was pending before the Governor, but countered that Bills passed during the previous BJP government’s tenure had also faced similar outcomes.
The debate also witnessed sharp exchanges between Sukhu and Thakur over issues including paper leaks.
Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani and MLAs Vipin Singh Parmar, Trilok Jamwal, Harish Janartha and Suresh Kumar participated in the discussion.
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