Monsoon Session of Himachal Pradesh Assembly: Amid opposition, House passes Universities (Amendment) Bill

On Wednesday, the Himachal Pradesh Assembly passed the Himachal Pradesh State Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2026 amidst strong opposition from BJP legislators. The Bill, which will be sent for the Governor's assent, aims to safeguard the interests of qualified youth and residents of Himachal Pradesh. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu introduced the Bill, stating it would not interfere with the syllabus, academic routine, or student-teacher affairs of universities.

The Bill covers six universities established between 1970 and 2017. Sukhu assured that appointments to Assistant Professor and Professor positions would continue to be made by universities themselves. The Finance Committee, headed by the Finance Secretary, will examine financial requirements and determine the need for new universities.

The Executive Committee, led by the Vice-Chancellor, will remain supreme. Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur warned that the amendment could be struck down by the Himachal High Court, citing its previous ruling on the amended provisions of the Himachal Pradesh Universities of Agriculture, Horticulture and Forestry Act, 1986. BJP MLA Randhir Sharma opposed the Bill, arguing it undermined university autonomy and proposed an attack on their independence.

However, Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi defended the Bill, criticizing the BJP's past appointments and emphasizing the need for greater monitoring of financial affairs. Two other Bills, the Shimla Roads Users and Pedestrians (Public Safety and Convenience) Amendment Bill, 2026, and the Himachal Pradesh Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2026, were also passed during the session.