The Union Ministry’s UGC Draft Regulations 2025 have sparked strong criticism from state governments, with accusations of centralizing power and undermining state autonomy.

Karnataka’s CM Opposes Central Overreach

Karnataka’s Chief Minister Siddaramaiah condemned the regulations for granting governors excessive power in appointing vice-chancellors (VCs), calling it a “blow to federalism” and a “betrayal” of state rights. He warned that it could lead to conflicts between central and state governments.

Tamil Nadu Assembly Calls for Rollback

Tamil Nadu’s assembly passed a resolution urging the immediate withdrawal of the draft regulations. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin argued that the new guidelines, which allow governors to appoint VCs, would harm the state’s education system and violate federalism. Stalin criticized the move as an attempt to centralize power and strip the state of its educational authority.

Kerala CM Condemns the Proposal

Kerala’s Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also opposed the regulations, labeling them an attack on state rights and federalism. He criticized the proposal to give governors unchecked powers in appointing VCs, calling it part of a broader attempt to centralize control over education.

CPI(M) Joins Opposition

The CPI(M) described the draft regulations as a “direct assault” on state rights, arguing that the new VC appointment process would allow the Centre to impose its preferred candidates on state universities.

Key Provisions of the UGC Draft Regulations 2025

• VC Selection: Governors, acting as chancellors, would have significant control over VC appointments.
• Faculty Recruitment: Master’s degree holders in engineering could be directly recruited as assistant professors without qualifying for the UGC National Eligibility Test (NET).
• Non-Academic VCs: The draft allows non-academics to be appointed as VCs, raising concerns about the integrity of university leadership.

With feedback still being collected, state leaders continue to call for a rollback, fearing the regulations could diminish state autonomy and weaken the federal structure of education.

Also read: UGC proposes draft rules for VC and teacher appointments, major changes ahead!