SRINAGAR: The Politburo of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) has issued a statement urging the withdrawal of the University Grants Commission (UGC) Draft Regulations 2025, expressing concern over provisions that undermine the rights of states in the selection of Vice Chancellors for state-run universities.
The statement highlights a specific provision in the draft regulations that grants the Governor-cum-Chancellor the authority to appoint a three-member Selection Committee, with the Chancellor’s nominee serving as the Chairperson. This, according to CPI(M), is a direct assault on state rights, especially as some Governors have already been accused of acting arbitrarily in the appointment of Vice Chancellors in opposition-ruled states.
The regulations would effectively bypass state governments in the appointment process, allowing the Centre to influence Vice Chancellor selections through Governors-cum-Chancellors in state-run universities. CPI(M) asserts that this provision violates the Constitutional framework, under which education is a concurrent subject, and calls for all democratic sections, including non-BJP state governments, to unite in opposing this move.
The party has demanded that the provision be withdrawn to safeguard the autonomy of state-run universities and maintain the balance of power as outlined in the Constitution.
