Both Kerala and Tamil Nadu have raised strong objections to the draft UGC guidelines for 2025, urging the central government to withdraw the proposed regulations, citing concerns over academic autonomy and state rights.

On January 21, Kerala’s Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan led the Kerala Assembly in passing a unanimous resolution calling for the withdrawal of the draft UGC norms. Vijayan argued that the guidelines undermine the federal system by limiting state involvement in university governance, particularly in the appointment of Vice Chancellors. He expressed concern that the draft’s provisions could commercialize higher education and threaten democratic values. He also warned that the guidelines would harm free education, healthcare, and social welfare programs that benefit the state’s citizens.

Similarly, Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, on January 20, addressed Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, urging the withdrawal of the draft regulations. Stalin emphasized that the regulations conflicted with Tamil Nadu’s educational policies and could jeopardize the autonomy of state universities. He raised specific concerns over the introduction of nationwide entrance exams, which he said would increase academic stress and financial burdens on socio-economically disadvantaged students. Stalin also criticized the proposed criteria for Vice Chancellor appointments, calling for a re-evaluation to prioritize academic expertise and administrative experience.

Stalin extended his appeal to non-BJP ruled states, asking them to pass similar resolutions in their assemblies. Both states highlighted the detrimental impact the guidelines could have on federalism, the quality of education, and the rights of state governments in shaping their educational systems.

Both Vijayan and Stalin emphasized the need for a revised version of the guidelines that takes into account the diverse needs of India’s higher education landscape.

Source: PTI

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