Bengaluru, February 5, 2025 – In a strong response to the University Grants Commission (UGC) draft regulations, Higher Education Ministers from six non-BJP ruled states have called for the immediate withdrawal of the proposed draft, citing several concerns and flaws in the guidelines. The ministers, gathered in Bengaluru at the invitation of Karnataka, expressed a unanimous opinion that the UGC should engage in a more collaborative and consultative process with the states when framing these regulations.
The conclave saw the participation of Kerala’s State Education Minister R Bindu, Tamil Nadu’s Higher Education Minister Govi Cheziaan, Himachal Pradesh’s Minister Rohit Thakur, Telangana’s IT and Industries Minister D Sridhar Babu, and Jharkhand MLA Sudivya Kumar. The meeting focused on addressing various objections raised by states regarding the draft.
Karnataka’s Higher Education Minister M C Sudhakar emphasized that states have consistently pointed out numerous “flaws” in the draft regulations, particularly with regard to the eligibility criteria for appointing Vice-Chancellors. “The draft allows individuals with just 10 years of managerial or industry experience to be considered for the Vice-Chancellor’s post, which undermines the qualifications required,” Sudhakar said, referring to the previous standard of 24 years of service for candidates.
In a scathing critique, Tamil Nadu’s Minister Govi Cheziaan raised concerns about the draft’s provisions allowing students to join or withdraw from courses at will, and obtaining certifications after short durations—such as a certificate after one year, a diploma after two years, and a degree after three years. “Education is not a marketplace,” Cheziaan remarked, stressing that such provisions disrespected the integrity of education.
One of the key issues highlighted at the conclave was the draft’s approach to the appointment of Vice-Chancellors (VCs). The ministers argued that state governments must retain a central role in the selection process, as currently practiced. Tamil Nadu has already been embroiled in a dispute with the Governor rejecting state-suggested VC candidates. “The draft regulations completely dismiss the role of state governments in the appointment process,” said Cheziaan.
Further addressing the centralization of education policy, Sudhakar expressed concern that the Centre was pushing the National Education Policy (NEP) despite widespread opposition from states. He argued that such unilateral actions jeopardized the federal interests of the country, undermining the autonomy of state governments in education matters.
The conclave concluded with the announcement that a joint resolution would be sent to the UGC, listing 15 key objections. “Karnataka will continue to lead this initiative, and next month, Kerala will also host a gathering to take this forward,” Sudhakar confirmed.
The states’ concerted opposition to the UGC’s draft regulations reflects broader concerns about the centralization of education policy and the preservation of state autonomy in matters of higher education.
