Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 20: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan strongly criticized the Draft UGC Regulations, 2025, stating that they infringe upon state authority in higher education and pose a direct threat to India’s federal structure. Addressing a national convention of southern leaders in Thiruvananthapuram, Vijayan underscored the urgent need to redefine the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) role and reassert the states' rights in administering their own universities.
The event was attended by ministers from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Telangana, along with representatives from Jharkhand. Andhra Pradesh, however, was not part of the discussions.
Vijayan emphasized that Kerala’s opposition to the draft regulations was clear from the outset, as the provisions sought to sideline state governments in university administration. The Kerala Assembly unanimously passed a resolution urging the Union government to withdraw the draft regulations, citing their anti-federal and anti-democratic nature. He also urged the Centre to hold detailed consultations with all stakeholders before finalizing new guidelines.
One of the biggest concerns raised was the appointment of Vice Chancellors (VCs) in state universities. According to the draft regulations, the selection process would be entirely controlled by the Chancellor (who is usually the Governor), bypassing state governments and their Higher Education departments. Vijayan warned that this move would allow the political powers appointing the Governor to control higher education, thus violating the federal principles enshrined in the Constitution.
Joining the discussion, Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan stressed the need to keep higher education free from political interference, whether from the Union or state governments. He also expressed concerns that the new regulations would allow bureaucrats and industrialists to be appointed as VCs, paving the way for political and ideological influence in academia.
The convention concluded with a decision to hold its next meeting in Hyderabad, where leaders from multiple states will further strategize on safeguarding state autonomy in higher education.