The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 15th August 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Ceremonial Heads

Why in News?

Governors serving as Chancellors often hinder rather than help the functioning of universities.

Introduction

The Supreme Court of India has consistently criticized Governors for exceeding their constitutional authority, especially concerning State-run universities. Despite the Court's interventions, Governors persist in exercising de-facto vetoes and influencing legislation, leading to political and ideological frictions. These conflicts underscore the colonial legacy of the Governor’s office and prompt a reevaluation of the necessity for university autonomy in contemporary India.

Supreme Court vs Governor Interventions

• In April, the Supreme Court of India issued a strong reprimand to Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi, yet this had minimal impact on the ongoing disputes between Governors and State governments.
• The Court ruled against the Governor's practice of exercising a de-facto veto on 10 Bills related to universities that were passed by the State legislature.
• It established specific timelines for Governors to respond to Bills.
• The Court declared any Presidential intervention prompted by a Governor’s recommendation as infructuous.
• Example. Recently, Governor Ravi referred the Kalaignar University Bill to the President instead of granting assent.
• In Kerala, Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar sparked controversy by directing universities to observe a ‘Partition horrors day’ on August 14, 2025, raising concerns about potential ideological motives.
• Arlekar’s predecessor, Arif Mohammed Khan, also clashed with the government, delaying or effectively vetoing Bills, particularly those concerning universities.
• Despite the Court’s rulings, the President has challenged the judicial position through references.

Universities as a Political Battleground

• State-owned universities are crucial points of conflict between Governors and State governments.
• Governors hold direct authority over universities, granting them leverage in political disputes.
• Historically, the Governor’s office served as a colonial tool to control provinces governed by Indian parties.
• British Governors acted as ceremonial heads (Chancellors) of universities to ensure prestige, autonomy, and colonial influence.
• After independence, leaders retained Governors as central appointees to prevent separatist tendencies.
• Many State legislations kept Governors as Chancellors to maintain this colonial legacy.
• Even in Tamil Nadu, a Bill aimed at reducing Governors’ role in Vice-Chancellor appointments did not eliminate their Chancellor position.
• In Kerala and Tamil Nadu, Governors often act as central proxies with political and ideological agendas.

Towards University Autonomy

• Draft UGC regulations suggest removing State government influence in Vice-Chancellor selection, transferring all power to the Chancellor.
• The National Education Policy (NEP)2020 stresses university autonomy, expecting institutions to:
  • Raise funds independently
  • Be accountable for expenditures
  • Have leaders serve as academic heads, administrators, fundraisers, and managers
• The trend indicates it may be practical to appoint professional leaders rather than Governors as ceremonial and executive heads of universities.

Conclusion

The ongoing disputes between Governors and State governments highlight the conflict between constitutional authority and political motives. Advancing towards university autonomy, as outlined in the NEP 2020 and draft UGC regulations, could ensure that institutions are managed by professionals instead of political appointees. It is vital to enhance accountability, independence, and academic leadership for the successful development of India’s higher education system.

Only United Action Can Stop the Hyacinth’s Invasion

Why is it News?

A national policy with region-specific strategies is crucial to stop the severe damage caused by the invasive aquatic plant, water hyacinth. 

Introduction

Every monsoon, a silent threat spreads across India’s rivers, backwaters, and lakes, turning them into vast green deserts. This menace is the water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), an aquatic plant with delicate lilac flowers that hide its destructive power. Its impact is especially severe in Kerala, a state famous for its intricate network of backwaters and the iconic Vembanad Lake. Introduced in India during colonial rule as an ornamental plant, the water hyacinth’s rapid growth has since overwhelmed the very ecosystems and communities it was meant to beautify. Today, it is estimated that over 2,00,000 hectares of inland waters nationwide have been smothered by this weed, disrupting the lives and livelihoods of countless Indians.

Impact of Water Hyacinth on Livelihoods, Ecology, and Climate

• Farmers: Paddy cultivators in Kerala’s Kuttanad region face blocked irrigation channels, hindered water flow, and choked fields, increasing costs and labor for agriculture.
• Fishermen: Dense mats disrupt fish nurseries, reduce native fish populations, block access to water bodies, and damage nets and boats, making traditional fishing nearly impossible.
• Aquatic Biodiversity: Floating hyacinth mats block sunlight and oxygen, suffocating aquatic flora and fauna and disrupting entire food webs.
• Ecotourism Threat: Wetlands like Vembanad Lake, a Ramsar-recognised site, face risks to tourism, transport, and livelihoods due to hyacinth proliferation.
• Climate Impact: As the plant accumulates and decays, it releases methane, a greenhouse gas over 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide, exacerbating climate change.

Experiments that must be scaled up

• Innovation: Communities and innovators across India have discovered ways to turn water hyacinth into a resource instead of a nuisance.
• Odisha: Women’s self-help groups are weaving water hyacinth into handicrafts, baskets, and furniture, showcasing grassroots creativity.
• Assam & West Bengal: The plant is being utilized for paper production and biogas generation, demonstrating its diverse applications.
• Limitation: These experiments, though promising, are currently limited in scope and scale, necessitating expansion.
• Policy Support: Scaling up requires financial incentives, robust value chains, and coordinated policy measures.
• Accountability: Responsibility is fragmented across agriculture, fisheries, environment, and irrigation departments, leading to short-term actions.
• Centralised Mechanism:. single-point accountability system with national and region-specific strategies is crucial for effective management.
• Scientific Removal: Coordinated removal drives should employ scientific methods, mechanisation, and localised technology, especially in areas with low labour availability like Kerala.
• Private Sector & Research: Innovators should be incentivised, partnerships with the private sector encouraged, and research into viable products like crafts, biofuels, compost, and textiles promoted.
• Collaborative Initiatives: Jain University, Kochi, under the Future Kerala Mission, brought together experts, policymakers, and practitioners to reimagine water hyacinth as a sustainable livelihood resource.
• Awareness & Knowledge Integration: The University initiated awareness campaigns and discussion papers, blending academic research, policy insights, and community experience to shift from sporadic experiments to systematic, sustainable solutions.

Conclusion

 India’s rivers and lakes are precious resources that should not suffer due to neglect or the unchecked spread of a single invasive species. The threat posed by water hyacinth requires urgent attention, accountability, and collective action. Every community, government agency, entrepreneur, and citizen must recognise that this issue goes beyond ecology—it impacts rural livelihoods, food security, climate resilience, and the green economy. It is time to tackle not only the water hyacinth but also the complacency that allows it to flourish. Immediate and decisive action is necessary.