UGC draft rules 2025 sideline states in higher education: Kerala CM

Thiruvananthapuram

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday criticized the 2025 draft UGC regulations, stating that they undermine state governments' role in higher education. He argued that the regulations exclude states from appointing vice-chancellors and assistant professors in state universities, calling them undemocratic and excessive.

Speaking at a National Convention attended by ministers from Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, Vijayan pointed out that the regulations grant appointment powers to Chancellors, who are Governors appointed by the Centre. He warned that this could lead to politically motivated selections, negatively impacting higher education. He also accused Governors in opposition-ruled states, including Punjab and Kerala, of politically interfering in universities, which he believes will worsen under the new rules.

Vijayan recalled Kerala’s disputes with former Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, who refused assent to several university-related bills, forcing the state to seek Supreme Court intervention. He also criticized the draft regulations for introducing arbitrary criteria for academic promotions and accused the Centre of encroaching on state rights, including financial matters.

Kerala Higher Education Minister R Bindu and Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka echoed these concerns, calling the regulations an attack on academic autonomy. Vikramarka compared it to paying for a meal without choosing the food. Vijayan previously described the draft as part of a larger Sangh Parivar agenda to weaken state powers.