Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has strongly criticised the newly proposed Draft UGC Regulations 2025, accusing the central government of undermining state autonomy by centralizing power in the hands of Chancellors. The Chief Minister argued that these regulations remove states' rights to appoint Vice-Chancellors (VCs) in state-run universities and give unchecked power to Chancellors.
Vijayan took to social media platform X to voice his objections. He stated that the regulations were part of a broader agenda aimed at consolidating power and weakening state autonomy, which he claims aligns with the Sangh Parivar's political goals. He wrote, "Education is a concurrent subject, not a matter of central monopoly. This move is part of the Sangh Parivar agenda to consolidate power and subvert state autonomy. All democratic forces must unite to resist this blatant assault on federal principles."
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Vijayan's office issued a statement elaborating on his concerns, claiming that the regulations were a continuation of a broader pattern of commercialisation, communalisation, and centralisation in education policies imposed by the Union Government. He warned that the proposed regulations would effectively strip states of their power in higher education, particularly in the selection and appointment of Vice-Chancellors. "The new norms make the Chancellor the sole authority, even in the formation of the search committee for appointing a VC," Vijayan argued, calling this a violation of federal principles.
The draft regulations place significant power in the hands of Chancellors, including their role in the selection of Vice-Chancellors. Vijayan noted that this move undermines the constitutional view that the Governor's actions should be in line with the state's cabinet instructions. "The constitutional view that the Governor's actions should be subject to the instructions of the cabinet is being undermined here," he added.
Vijayan also expressed concerns about the draft’s provision allowing individuals without academic experience to be appointed as Vice-Chancellors. He claimed this move was a strategic effort to bring in supporters of the Sangh Parivar into academic positions of power. "This is a sly way to bring Sangh Parivar followers into the university administration," he stated.
Wider opposition to the draft regulations
The Communist Party of India (Marxist), CPI(M), also condemned the draft guidelines, calling for their immediate withdrawal. The Politburo of the CPI(M) described the regulations as a direct assault on state rights concerning the appointment of Vice-Chancellors. The draft guidelines, which were released on Monday, aim to introduce greater flexibility in the appointment and promotion of academic staff in universities.
The Kerala government plans to take legal action to protect the rights of the state in the higher education sector. Chief Minister Vijayan made it clear that any attempt to curtail state autonomy would be met with strong opposition. The battle over these proposed regulations continues as states, including Kerala, assert their rights in the education sector.
Meanwhile, Kerala plans to challenge the new UGC guidelines in court, arguing that the Centre is increasing its control over universities funded by the state government. Government sources have confirmed that legal advice has been sought. Kerala will also raise a constitutional issue, claiming that the central guidelines override laws passed by the state Assembly.
With Agency inputs
Published: 09 Jan 2025, 10:43 am IST
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