Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan presented a resolution in the state legislative assembly today, urging the Centre to withdraw the 2025 University Grants Commission (UGC) draft regulations and introduce new norms after holding extensive discussions with state governments and academic experts. The resolution was passed unanimously by the assembly.
In his speech, the Chief Minister emphasised that universities across the country operate in line with the laws passed by their respective state legislative assemblies, and any move to impose central regulations without proper consultation would undermine the federal structure of India.
Vijayan pointed out that the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1977 moved education, including higher education, to the Concurrent List, giving states the responsibility of establishing and supervising universities. While the Union Government holds the power to coordinate and fix standards, state governments fund about 80 per cent of university operations and play a key role in ensuring quality education.
The resolution expressed concern over the exclusion of state governments in vital appointments like Vice Chancellor positions and teacher qualifications. The Chief Minister criticised the draft UGC norms for sidelining state authorities and introducing provisions that could commercialise higher education by appointing individuals from the private sector, without consulting academic experts.
The assembly unanimously requested the Central Government to reconsider the draft regulations and consult all stakeholders before issuing new guidelines.
Vijayan had earlier written to the Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, urging him to review the proposed regulations.
Earlier this month, the Tamil Nadu assembly passed a similar resolution, calling on the Union Education Ministry to immediately withdraw the UGC draft regulation for 2025, alleging that it would grant more powers to Governors in the appointment of vice-chancellors.