Kerala Assembly Passes Resolution Against UGC Draft Regulations, Cites Federal Concerns
Babushahi Bureau
Thiruvananthapuram, January 23, 2025:
On January 21, 2025, the Kerala Assembly unanimously passed a resolution urging the Union government to withdraw the University Grants Commission's (UGC) draft regulations for 2025. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who introduced the resolution, criticized the draft guidelines for undermining federal principles and excluding state governments from the appointment process of university vice-chancellors.
The resolution emphasized that the draft regulations could lead to the commercialization of higher education and potentially place the sector under the influence of those promoting religious and communal agendas. It called for the central government to consult with state authorities and academic experts to formulate new guidelines that respect the nation's federal structure and democratic values.
Notably, Kerala is the first state to officially oppose the UGC's draft regulations, highlighting the ongoing debate over the balance of power between state and central authorities in India's higher education system.