Himachal Pradesh Assembly Passes University Amendment Bill Amid BJP Opposition

The Himachal Pradesh Assembly on Wednesday passed the Himachal Pradesh State Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2026 by voice vote, despite strong opposition from BJP legislators and protests by university teachers. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu defended the legislation, stating it aims to ensure transparent, merit-based recruitment in state universities while preventing political interference and recommendations in appointments.

Under the amended system, universities will directly appoint professors and associate professors. Recruitment for other positions will be handled through the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) and the State Selection Commission. Sukhu said the changes would bring transparency to government university jobs and prevent irregularities allegedly seen under the previous government, appealing to the BJP to support the measure.