Demand for Withdrawal of Draft UGC Regulations

On 4th February 2025, six states - Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Karnataka - passed a joint resolution demanding the withdrawal of the draft UGC (Minimum Qualifications for Appointment and Promotion of Teachers and Academic Staff in Universities and Colleges and Measures for the Maintenance of Standards in Higher Education) Regulations, 2025.

Key Points

Vice-Chancellor Appointments: Ministers criticised the UGC for centralising the appointment process, reducing state involvement.
Private Sector in Education: States opposed allowing private sector professionals to be appointed as vice-chancellors.
API System Removal: Concerns have been raised over the discretionary nature of the new evaluation system replacing the Academic Performance Indicator (API).
Faculty Eligibility: Objections to provisions allowing faculty appointments without a basic degree in the core subject.
Mandatory NEP 2020 Implementation: States opposed penalties for institutions not complying with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Bias towards Private Institutions: Concerns raised that government universities could be neglected under the new regulations.
Undergraduate Entrance Exams: Strong opposition to making entrance exams mandatory, citing reduced access to higher education.
Higher Education Reforms: Additional concerns raised over grading criteria, biannual exams, dual degrees, multiple entry and exit options, and fast-track degrees.
Governor’s Role in Universities: Ministers alleged that Governors are increasingly involved in political appointments of vice-chancellors.