Shimla, Oct. 7 -- The Himachal Pradesh University Teachers' Welfare Association (HPUTWA) has been protesting for over 30 days against the Himachal Pradesh State University (Amendment) Bill, 2026, seeking its withdrawal and terming it a direct attack on the university's "autonomy," while the state government claims the bill will bring transparency to university appointments in Himachal Pradesh.

The Himachal Pradesh legislative assembly passed the bill during the monsoon session with a voice vote despite opposition from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The bill is yet to get the governor's assent.

The legislation fundamentally alters the recruitment landscape for state universities. Under the new system, universities retain the authority...