Kolkata, Aug 29 - Former Knowledge Commission chief Sam Pitroda has questioned the system prevailing in the country where chief ministers play a major role in selecting university vice chancellors and demanded more autonomy for institutions of higher learning.

'How can chief ministers select vice chancellors of universities?' he said addressing a gathering here.

'We have said in our report on the National Knowledge Commission recommendations that there has to be autonomy. The key is more autonomy to the universities to be able to function,' he said.

Pitroda expressed concern that there are not enough universities in the country and there is need for expansion.