A conclave of Higher Education Ministers from six non-BJP-ruled states convened in Bengaluru on Wednesday, collectively demanding the immediate withdrawal of the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) draft regulations for 2025. The ministers cited multiple concerns, particularly over the eligibility criteria for Vice-Chancellors (VCs), state autonomy in university governance, and the broader implications of the National Education Policy (NEP).
Karnataka Higher Education Minister M.C. Sudhakar emphasized the need for collaborative policymaking, stating that even BJP allies had raised objections to the draft regulations. A major point of contention is the revised eligibility for VCs, which allows candidates with just 10 years of managerial or industry experience to qualify. Sudhakar argued that this undermines the academic leadership structure, which traditionally requires 24 years of service.
Tamil Nadu’s Higher Education Minister, Govi Chezhian, criticized the draft’s proposal to let students exit academic programs at different stages—receiving certificates, diplomas, or degrees based on their duration of study. He asserted that “education is not a marketplace” where students should be free to enter and leave at will. The conclave also identified 15 key issues, including the demand for a greater role for state governments in appointing university VCs. Chezhian pointed to Tamil Nadu’s ongoing tussle with the governor over VC appointments, warning that the new draft further erodes state authority in higher education.
The ministers accused the central government of pushing the NEP without consulting states, calling it a violation of federal principles. They resolved to send their collective objections to the UGC and reaffirmed their commitment to resisting the draft regulations. Kerala will host a follow-up meeting next month to further strategize against the proposed changes, reinforcing the growing opposition among non-BJP states.
