JD(U) Voices Concerns Over UGC Draft Rules, Sparking Disquiet in NDA

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1 year ago

Opposition States, Including Tamil Nadu and Kerala, Protest UGC Proposals on Chancellor’s Power to Appoint V-Cs

JD(U) Criticizes UGC Draft Rules for Undermining State Authority in Higher Education

Amid the controversy surrounding the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) draft regulations for 2025, Bihar’s ruling party, Janata Dal (United) or JD(U), has strongly criticized the proposed rules. The draft regulations suggest granting Chancellors, typically Governors appointed by the Centre, increased authority in selecting Vice-Chancellors (V-Cs) for state universities.

JD(U) leaders argue that these provisions would effectively diminish the role of elected state governments in shaping higher education policies and undermine the federal structure. The party contends that such centralization of power would disrupt the autonomy of state universities and hinder the local administration’s ability to address regional educational needs.

The draft rules, which are already causing a stir in opposition-ruled states, particularly Tamil Nadu and Kerala, have sparked concerns that they would shift significant control over higher education from state governments to the Centre. JD(U)’s criticism of the proposed changes highlights the growing friction between the BJP-led Centre and its state-level allies, further complicating the discourse around federalism and education governance in India.

The controversy is likely to intensify as more states, including those in the opposition, voice their dissent against the perceived erosion of state powers in the higher education sector.

JD(U) to Raise Concerns with NDA Government Over UGC Draft Rules, Say Sources

Sources within the JD(U), led by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, have revealed that the party intends to take up the issue of the UGC draft regulations with the BJP-led NDA government once it has thoroughly reviewed the proposals. JD(U) leaders are concerned that the draft rules, which grant Chancellors — mostly Governors appointed by the Centre — more power in the appointment of Vice-Chancellors (V-Cs) in state universities, undermine the role of elected state governments in the higher education sector.

The party is expected to formally express its objections and push for revisions to the draft rules, which have already raised alarm among opposition-ruled states. JD(U) remains steadfast in its belief that such centralization would infringe upon the federal structure and the autonomy of state universities, further fueling the ongoing debate about the governance of higher education in India.

JD(U) Criticizes UGC Draft Rules, Calls for Amendments to Safeguard State Autonomy in Higher Education

JD(U) national spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan Prasad voiced the party’s concerns over the UGC draft regulations, emphasizing the potential negative impact on state governments’ role in higher education. Speaking to The Indian Express, Prasad said, “Every political party has a roadmap. Higher education is an important part of that. By limiting the role of elected governments in the appointment of Vice-Chancellors, the efforts of the state government in the field of education will be discouraged to a great extent.”

While the JD(U) has not yet fully reviewed the UGC draft, Prasad noted that the information emerging in the media suggests the need for potential amendments to the regulations. The party is particularly concerned about provisions that grant Chancellors, often Governors appointed by the Centre, more authority in selecting V-Cs for state universities, which could undermine state autonomy in education. JD(U) is poised to raise the issue with the BJP-led NDA government once a thorough examination of the draft is completed.

TDP Cautious on UGC Draft Rules, Says Reservations Will Be Addressed Internally

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP), another key NDA ally, has expressed unease over the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) draft regulations, which propose to grant greater powers to Chancellors in the appointment of Vice-Chancellors at state universities. However, the party remains cautious on the issue, with no public stance taken as of yet.

TDP national spokesperson Deepak Reddy told The Indian Express, “We have seen the draft UGC rules but as our top leadership is in Davos for the World Economic Forum (WEF), there have been no internal discussions on it. However, if we have any reservations, we will not raise them publicly and will rather communicate them to the people concerned internally. We do not wish to politicise this issue.”

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, along with his son and minister Nara Lankesh, is currently in Davos to attend the WEF, which has further delayed any formal discussions within the party regarding the draft UGC regulations.

LJP (Ram Vilas) Suggests UGC Issue Be Discussed in Parliament, Opposition States Oppose Draft Regulations

In the ongoing controversy over the University Grants Commission (UGC) draft regulations 2025, another NDA ally, the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) [LJP (RV)], has maintained a guarded stance, suggesting the matter should be debated in Parliament. LJP (RV) national vice-president A K Bajpai emphasized the constitutional validity of the position of Chancellor, stating, “It’s a constitutional mandate (the position of a Chancellor) in favour of the Governor. It is the prerogative of Parliament to deliberate upon it.”

The draft UGC regulations propose giving Chancellors, predominantly Governors appointed by the Centre, greater authority in the appointment of Vice-Chancellors (V-Cs) in state universities. The Opposition, especially from states governed by non-BJP parties, has strongly opposed these rules, arguing that they undermine federalism and could harm the state’s autonomy over higher education matters.

The Opposition alleges that the proposed regulations will encroach upon the state’s rights and create an imbalance in the governance of educational institutions.

Kerala Assembly Passes Resolution Against UGC Draft Regulations; Pinarayi Vijayan Slams Centre

On Tuesday, the Kerala Assembly unanimously passed a resolution urging the BJP-led Central government to immediately withdraw the draft UGC regulations, which have sparked widespread opposition in the state. Kerala Chief Minister and CPM stalwart Pinarayi Vijayan criticized the draft for attempting to “abolish” the rights of states over higher education. He described it as a continuation of the “commercialisation, communalisation, and centralisation policies imposed by the UGC and the Central government.”

Both the ruling CPM and the principal opposition Congress in Kerala have strongly opposed the UGC’s proposed rules, accusing the Central government of pushing a Sangh Parivar agenda aimed at controlling the higher education sector. Earlier this month, the Tamil Nadu Assembly also raised concerns about the draft UGC regulations, signaling growing discontent in Opposition-ruled states.

Tamil Nadu Assembly Passes Resolution Against UGC Draft, Calls It a Threat to Federalism

Earlier this month, the Tamil Nadu Assembly unanimously passed a resolution urging the Centre to roll back the draft UGC regulations. The resolution, moved by Chief Minister and DMK president M K Stalin, charged that the UGC’s proposals were not only against the principles of federalism but also detrimental to the interests of the state. The move mirrored the growing opposition from various states to the draft rules, which are seen as centralizing powers over the appointment of Vice-Chancellors in state universities.

Courtesy: ThePrint

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