The resolution emphasised that such provisions sideline state governments, which fund nearly 80 percent of higher education institutions.
Published Jan 21, 2025 | 4:28 PM ⚊ Updated Jan 21, 2025 | 4:28 PM
UGC
The Kerala Legislative Assembly on Tuesday, 21 January, unanimously adopted a resolution demanding the withdrawal of the Draft University Grants Commission (UGC) Regulations, 2025.
The move comes a day after Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin called for the states to form a united front to demand the withdrawal of Draft UGC regulations. MK Stalin had also called on non-NDA state chief ministers to join forces with Tamil Nadu by passing Assembly resolutions rejecting what he described as “oppressive measures.”
By passing the resolution, Kerala became the second state from the south to formally oppose the draft regulations.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who moved the resolution, criticised the guidelines for undermining India’s federal structure and called for new regulations to be framed after thorough consultations with state governments, academics, and other stakeholders.
The resolution highlights concerns over the centralisation of authority in the proposed norms, particularly in the appointment of Vice-Chancellors and the determination of qualifications and service conditions for university faculty.
It emphasised that such provisions sideline state governments, which fund nearly 80 percent of higher education institutions.
The Assembly also opposed the proposal to allow Vice-Chancellors from private or commercial backgrounds, warning that it could lead to the commercialisation of higher education, eroding academic freedom and diversity.
Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan had earlier written to the chief minister, urging the state to adopt such a resolution.
The resolution further asserted that, under the Constitution’s Seventh Schedule, the power to establish and regulate universities lies with the states.
It also referenced the 42nd Constitutional Amendment of 1977, which moved education to the Concurrent List, arguing that the Centre’s role should be limited to setting standards and coordinating efforts rather than overriding state authority.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin had strongly urged the Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to immediately withdraw the UGC’s draft regulations, citing concerns over encroachment on state rights and educational autonomy.
Stressing the importance of federalism, the chief minister emphasised the need for states to reclaim their authority over educational institutions under state rights.
In the note addressed to INDIA bloc chief ministers, he wrote: “I am writing to bring to your attention a matter of great importance regarding the recently issued UGC guidelines that restrict the role of State Governments in the appointment of Vice-Chancellors and certain administrative admission procedures, including the introduction of entrance exams for UG and PG courses in Universities.”
“The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly has already passed a resolution against these guidelines. It is essential for all States to take a similar stand. I request you to consider passing a resolution in your august Assembly on the same lines as ours.”
“These guidelines are a clear infringement on the rights of State Governments and will have far-reaching consequences on the autonomy of our Universities. It is crucial that we stand united against these attempts to centralise power and undermine the federal structure of our country,” the note read.
#TamilNadu CM Urges Withdrawal of UGC Draft Regulations, Calls for United Front Among States
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister @mkstalin has strongly urged Union Education Minister @dpradhanbjp to immediately withdraw the UGC’s draft regulations, citing concerns over encroachment on… pic.twitter.com/lLT2wfkrfo
— South First (@TheSouthfirst) January 21, 2025
Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan unveiled the draft regulations on January 6.
The draft regulations outline the minimum qualifications, experience, and accomplishments required for appointments and promotions across various academic and administrative roles in higher education institutions (HEIs).
These include positions such as Assistant Professors, Librarians, Directors of Physical Education, Principals, and Vice-Chancellors. The key focus of the draft, however, lies in its revised selection process for Vice-Chancellors.
The contentious provisions, which revise the selection process for Vice-Chancellors, are being viewed as another attempt by the BJP-led Centre to encroach on the autonomy of non-BJP-ruled/allied states.
With recent years witnessing several clashes between state governments and Governors—who also serve as Chancellors—over Vice-Chancellor appointments, this latest move has reignited debates over federalism and the politicization of higher education.
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
