States Oppose UGC Draft Rules on VC Appointments

Why in the news?

States like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal object to new UGC regulations that give Governors greater control in appointing Vice-Chancellors, citing concerns over federalism and state rights in higher education appointments.

States Oppose UGC Draft Rules on VC Appointments

Draft Rules for VC Appointments:

  • The UGC draft regulations, 2025 specify that a Search-cum-Selection Committee for appointing VCs must include three experts nominated by the Chancellor (Governor), UGC Chairman, and the university’s governing body.
  • The new regulations give the Centre’s nominees a majority in the committee.
  • Non-academic professionals from industry, policy, or public sectors can also be considered for the VC role.

States’ Opposition and Concerns

  • Several states, including Kerala, West Bengal, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu, oppose the draft rules.
  • Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan and Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin argue that these provisions undermine federalism and state rights by giving Governors excessive control over VC appointments.
  • Maharashtra and West Bengal have passed Bills limiting Governors’ powers in VC appointments, which remain pending approval.
  • The new rules are perceived as centralizing power and limiting states’ authority to appoint their own VCs.

UGC’s Response

  • UGC Chairman M. Jagadesh Kumar clarified that the regulations aim to provide a transparent, robust process for VC appointments, aligning with the National Education Policy, 2020, to enhance quality in higher education.

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times