UGC’s 2025 Draft Regulations Spark Federalism Debate Over VC Appointments

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained – Page No. – 16)

Analysis of the news:

VC Appointment Process: Current and Proposed Framework

• The University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations of 2018 mandated a search-cum-selection committee to shortlist candidates for Vice Chancellor (VC) appointments through public notifications or nominations.
• For central universities, the President (Visitor) appoints VCs, while state laws govern appointments for state universities, with significant involvement of Governors (Chancellors).
• The 2025 draft regulations propose that the Chancellor/Visitor appoint the committee, comprising three experts—nominees of the Chancellor, UGC Chairman, and the university’s apex body.
• This marks a shift, granting greater central influence and introducing the possibility of industry or policy professionals as VCs.

State-Centre Disputes Over VC Appointments

Several states, especially those with non-BJP governments, oppose the enhanced role of Governors (Chancellors) in appointing VCs:

• Kerala: Passed a Bill to replace the Governor with educationists as Chancellors, yet to receive presidential assent.
• West Bengal: Legal disputes arose over Governor’s unilateral appointments; the Assembly passed a Bill to make the Chief Minister the Chancellor.
• Karnataka: Legislation to replace the Governor with the Chief Minister as Chancellor remains pending.
• Maharashtra: A 2021 Bill reducing the Governor’s powers was withdrawn by the succeeding government.
• Tamil Nadu: Passed Bills to vest VC appointment powers with the state government, yet to be approved by the Governor.

Federalism at the Core of the Debate

• Critics, including Chief Ministers of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, argue that the draft regulations undermine federalism by stripping states of their autonomy over state university administration.
• They contend that this shift imposes central authority over state-run institutions and diminishes democratically elected governments’ roles.
• Conversely, UGC Chairman Jagadesh Kumar defends the regulations, emphasizing transparency, alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, and resolving ambiguities in the 2018 guidelines.

Implications for Governance and Education

• The draft regulations aim to standardize VC selection, enhance transparency, and expand eligibility criteria.
• However, they also risk exacerbating state-Centre conflicts and raising questions about the autonomy of state universities.
• Striking a balance between quality education governance and respecting federal principles will be crucial as the debate unfolds.

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