Karnataka Minister opposes UGC draft regulations, seeks dialogue on Vice-Chancellor appointment

Karnataka Minister for Higher Education, M C Sudhakar, has expressed strong opposition to the recently published draft UGC Regulations, 2025, in a letter to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Sudhakar raised concerns over key provisions in the draft that, he believes, undermine the role of state governments in higher education matters.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) proposed the draft regulations to address the Minimum Qualifications for Appointment and Promotion of Teachers, Academic Staff, and Measures to Maintain Standards in Higher Education. However, Sudhakar criticized the lack of consultation with state governments before the proposal of such changes.

One of the major points of contention is the appointment process for Vice-Chancellors. According to the draft guidelines, the state government would have no role in selecting a Vice-Chancellor. Instead, the power would solely rest with the Chancellor/Visitor through a search-cum-selection committee, leaving state governments with no nominee. Sudhakar argued that this approach undermines the powers of the state government and could create conflicts with state laws governing university appointments.

Additionally, the qualifications for appointing Vice-Chancellors, which include allowing non-academicians, have raised concerns. Sudhakar noted that failing to adhere to the draft guidelines would render the appointment invalid, a provision he believes contradicts state university laws regarding Vice-Chancellor tenure and reappointment.

Karnataka, a leader in higher education, plays a critical role in running public universities and providing substantial funding for staff salaries and pensions. Sudhakar urged the UGC to reconsider the draft and engage in a broader dialogue with state governments to address the challenges faced by universities before implementing any sweeping changes. He called for the immediate withdrawal of the draft guidelines to ensure a more consultative and inclusive approach.