Karnataka hosts higher education ministers’ conclave, approves 15-point resolution against UGC draft regulations

The Higher Education Ministers' conclave, hosted by the Karnataka government, approved a 15-point resolution on Feb 5, urging the University Grants Commission (UGC) to revoke its draft regulations.

Following the conclave, Karnataka Higher Education Minister Dr M C Sudhakar said that the states would await the UGC's ruling before deciding on the next steps.

"We demand that the UGC immediately withdraw the draft regulations and organize a collective consultation with the states," Sudhakar said.

He added, "This is the first step to protect the federal structure of the states. It marks the beginning of our fight against the Centre to save federalism, and it will be a serious one. Our next step will depend on the UGC's decision. The UGC should remain a regulatory body and cannot control the states."

Ministers from six states—Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Kerala, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Karnataka—attended the conclave.

The Maharashtra representative, who was participating virtually, was unable to do so due to technical difficulties.

Senior leaders Digvijay Singh and Jairam Ramesh, who were scheduled to attend, sent their notes.

Even some states allied with the BJP have voiced opposition to the UGC draft regulations. For example, the TDP, JDU, and LJP have expressed concerns, and West Bengal has established an expert committee.

"We are confident that the UGC and the Union Education Ministry will reconsider the regulations and invite all states for detailed deliberation," Sudhakar said.

In the meantime, Sudhakar and the other state ministers present expressed the view that the UGC's draft norms were part of an attempt by the union government to impose its agenda on the education system.

Kerala is hosting a similar conference on Feb 20, and it is expected that states will make their next decision there.

The resolution highlighted several key points, including the need for states to play a pivotal role in the appointment of vice chancellors to state universities.

It argued that the regulations severely limit the rights of states in forming search committees for vice chancellor appointments.

The provision related to appointing non-academics as vice chancellors was also called to be withdrawn.

The resolution emphasized the need for serious reconsideration of the qualifications, term, and eligibility for vice chancellor appointments.

It also stated that the provisions related to consequences for violating the draft UGC regulations were drastic, excessive, and undemocratic and should be reconsidered.

Lastly, the resolution raised concerns that making an entrance exam mandatory for basic undergraduate courses would create a significant barrier to increasing the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER).

Sudhakar said, "Governors are chancellors by convention. The relationship between the governor and the ruling government has changed. There are serious issues regarding the governor's functioning. Governors are protesting on the streets, and some are even walking out of assemblies."

Sridhar Babu, Minister for IT and Industry in Telangana, said, "The UGC must immediately withdraw the draft regulations to safeguard cooperative federalism. States must have autonomy and freedom in education."

Dr Govi Chezhian, Minister for Higher Education in Tamil Nadu, said, "Education is linked to the culture and needs of each state. When state governments provide land and infrastructure, why should they not have a say in appointing vice chancellors?"

"The draft regulations are against the constitution and an attack on the federal structure," said Rohit Thakur, Minister for Education in Himachal Pradesh.