Tamil Nadu, Kerala challenge UGC's new rules on VC appointments, accuse union govt of overreach

A new political conflict between the Union government and states like Tamil Nadu and Kerala was sparked by the University Grants Commission's (UGC) Jan 6 announcement of draft rules on faculty recruitment and promotions in higher education.

The appointment procedure for vice chancellors (VCs) of higher education institutions appears to have remained unchanged; nonetheless, when compared to the June 30, 2010, gazette notice on the subject, it is clear that it has not changed.

The states' argument that the new rules will give chancellors (governors) more authority over VC appointment has been the key point of disagreement.

Kerala called the proposed rules "an overreach by the central government, rendering states powerless in the higher education sector," while M K Stalin, the chief minister of Tamil Nadu, declared that he would take the governor's control over VC selections to court.

Mallikarjun Kharge, the president of the Congress, had called the UGC draft regulations, 2025, a "direct attack on federalism and state rights" because he said they gave state governors broad authority over vice-chancellor appointments and let non-academics occupy these positions.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Jan 13 criticized the Congress, accusing the party of "spreading lies" about the draft recruitment norms introduced by the UGC.

He further asserted that the practice of governors appointing vice-chancellors to universities has been in place since before Independence.

According to the 2010 regulations, the search committee is to include "a nominee of the visitor (the president for central universities or governor for state universities), who will serve as the chairperson of the committee; a nominee of the UGC chairman; and a nominee of the syndicate/executive council/board of management of the university."

The regulations also state that "the visitor/chancellor shall appoint the vice-chancellor from the panel of names recommended by the search committee."

Without any modifications, the same has been kept in the 2025 planned regulations.

According to the "Report of the Education Commission (1964-66)"—also referred to as the "Kothari Commission"—and the recommendations of the committee of the inter-university board, the chancellor should appoint VCs in "his individual judgment and not by the state govt."

This is in accordance with the chancellor's role as the head of the state university.

Pradhan accused the Congress of trying to confuse and mislead the youth, hinder national progress, and create discontent by opposing youth education.

"Whether it's the UGC Regulations of 2010, 2018, or the current 2025 guidelines, it is clear in all that the chancellor/visitor appoints the vice-chancellor," said Pradhan.

"The structure of the selection committee in the UGC Regulations 2025 mirrors that of the 2010 regulations. This committee is responsible for appointing teachers and academic staff while ensuring high standards are maintained," he added.

Pradhan also slammed the Congress for opposing the National Education Policy, which he claims has been largely supported across the country, even by the youth, since it reflects Indian values.

He continued, "This is the same party that weakened the Indian education system and sought to erase our rich cultural heritage from textbooks during its decades in power."