BS EDIT: One Step Back: Draft UGC Rules and Centre-State Tensions

By Business StandardPublished On Jan 14, 2025

New regulations at a glance

The UGC draft rules give the Centre greater control over vice-chancellor (V-C) appointments, reducing state influence

Governor takes charge

Governors now dominate V-C selection committees, sidelining state governments and their laws

States push back

Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal oppose the rules, citing interference in their autonomy

Broadening V-C eligibility

The draft includes candidates from industry and public policy, sparking concerns over academic standards

Academic quality at risk

Experts warn that non-academic V-Cs could harm research and education quality in universities

Worsening Centre-state friction

Instead of clarity, the rules add to tensions. A balanced approach is key for better governance