New Delhi: The draft University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations proposed in January have sparked a political debate over the autonomy of state universities, with Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan defending the reforms while Opposition leaders strongly object to them. Pradhan, in a written response to the Lok Sabha on Monday, asserted that the draft regulations empower universities with more autonomy in faculty selection and promote inclusive development, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
“The draft UGC Regulations, 2025 provide more autonomy and inclusive development of state universities. The draft regulations provide more power to universities in the selection process of teachers. It empowers state governments to decide on the selection process of teachers in colleges falling under their purview,” Pradhan stated in response to a question from DMK MP Selvaganapathi TM and Janata Dal United MP Dinesh Chandra Yadav.
The draft norms, circulated on January 6, outline the appointment process for teachers and academic staff in universities and colleges. One key provision states that the chancellor or visitor of a university will establish a three-member search-cum-selection committee to appoint vice-chancellors. This committee would be chaired by the governor’s nominee, with the other two members appointed by the UGC chairman and the university’s apex body.
However, the proposed changes have drawn sharp criticism from Opposition leaders, who argue that they undermine the authority of state governments in appointing vice-chancellors for state universities. On February 5, education ministers from six Opposition-ruled states—Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana—passed a 15-point resolution rejecting the draft UGC norms.
