Tamil Nadu CM raises concerns over UGC regulations, demands revisions for state universities

The University Grants Commission's (UGC) draft regulations, which conflict with the state's educational system and policies and pose a serious threat to the academic integrity, autonomy, and inclusive growth of state universities, should be withdrawn, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin urged the Union Education Ministry on Jan 20.

Stalin expressed his opposition to the draft regulations in a letter to his non-BJP colleagues as well.

He also sent a letter to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan requesting the withdrawal of the draft regulations, along with a copy of the resolution that the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly (TNLA) overwhelmingly passed on Jan 9.

In a point-by-point defense of the TNLA resolution, Stalin objected to the proposed Common Entrance Tests for undergraduate and postgraduate admissions in the draft (Minimum Standards of Instruction for the Grant of Undergraduate Degree and Postgraduate Degree) Regulations 2024.

He argued that the introduction of entrance exams is unnecessary and burdensome, as state and national boards already assess students' academic competence through robust exit exams.

"Entrance exams also exacerbate academic anxiety and financial stress, disproportionately harming socio-economically disadvantaged groups. If made mandatory, schools may shift their focus to coaching for entrance exams, undermining the core purpose of school education," Stalin said.

"A single entrance exam for the entire country is impractical, given the varying educational levels and systems across the nation, and it also undermines federalism and state autonomy," Stalin added.

The CM raised concerns about the possible implications of allowing students with a four-year undergraduate degree in arts or science to pursue MTech or ME programs without a solid foundation in basic engineering principles.

He suggested that the relevance of such programs needs careful re-examination.

Stalin further argued that the Multiple Entry and Multiple Exit System would be difficult to implement amid frequent curriculum changes and would undermine learning continuity, potentially normalizing dropout rates.

The CM strongly opposed the proposal to appoint vice-chancellors based on experience in public administration, industry, or public policy, arguing that such criteria could result in the appointment of individuals lacking the necessary academic and administrative experience to effectively lead universities.

According to Stalin, state involvement in the selection of vice-chancellors is crucial to ensuring that state aspirations, local educational needs, policies, and affirmative action measures are properly addressed in universities fully funded and run by state governments.

This refers to the UGC regulation proposing the selection of vice-chancellors without the involvement of state governments.

Stalin also contended that allowing candidates with PhDs in fields unrelated to their undergraduate or graduate degrees, or those who have passed the NET/SET in subjects unrelated to their academic background, to be eligible for teaching positions would enable individuals to teach without the necessary foundational knowledge, negatively affecting students' learning outcomes, particularly at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Stalin urged the Union Minister to withdraw the draft regulations under discussion and reconsider the issues to better align with the needs of India's diverse higher education system.

He emphasized that several provisions in the draft could seriously jeopardize the academic integrity, autonomy, and inclusive development of state universities.

Stalin also requested the minister's support in revising the rules to better meet the needs of the states, especially Tamil Nadu.