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UGC’s New Regulations on Vice-Chancellor Appointments
Context:
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has introduced sweeping new regulations that have sparked concerns over federalism and state rights, particularly about the appointment of Vice-Chancellors (VCs) in state universities.
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These guidelines, set out in the UGC (Minimum Qualifications for Appointment & Promotion of Teachers and Academic Staff in Universities and Colleges and Measures for the Maintenance of Standards in Higher Education) Regulations, 2025, are designed to standardise the selection process while incorporating modern requirements.
How Vice-Chancellors Are Appointed?
- Under the UGC’s 2018 regulations, the process for appointing VCs involves a search-cum-selection committee that shortlists 3-5 candidates through public notifications, nominations, or a “talent search process.”
- For state and private universities, the committee’s composition includes a nominee from the UGC Chairman, and the rest of the members are appointed according to state law.
- For instance, under the Kerala University Act, 1974, the VC is appointed by the Chancellor (Governor) based on a unanimous recommendation from a committee comprising university representatives and nominees from the UGC Chairman and the Chancellor.
- In central universities, the Visitor (the President of India) appoints the VC based on a search committee determined by the respective university Act. This process varies across central universities, such as the University of Delhi and Jawaharlal Nehru University.
Key Changes in the New UGC Regulations:
- Objectives: Aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Claims to enhance quality, transparency, and remove ambiguities in the 2018 regulations.
- Search-cum-Selection Committee Composition: The new regulations require the Chancellor/Visitor to constitute the selection committee, comprising three experts: one nominated by the Chancellor, one by the UGC Chairman, and one from the university’s governing body (e.g., Senate or Executive Council).
- This change gives more influence to the Centre in the process.
- Broader Eligibility for VCs: In addition to professors, the draft regulations propose that individuals from senior positions in industries, public policy, public administration, or public sector undertakings can be appointed as VCs.
State vs. Central Tensions:
- Kerala passed a Bill in 2023 to replace the Governor with eminent educationists as Chancellor. It awaits Presidential assent.
- West Bengal challenged a 2023 order in the Calcutta High Court on the unilateral appointment of interim VCs by the Governor. The SC appointed a committee in 2024 to resolve the issue.
- Karnataka passed a Bill to replace the Governor with the Chief Minister as Chancellor in December 2024, awaiting assent.
- Maharashtra amended the process in 2021 to restrict the Governor’s role but later restored the original process.
- Tamil Nadu passed Bills in 2022 to give the state government the authority to appoint VCs, but they were not approved by the Governor.
Arguments For and Against:
- In Favor of the 2025 Draft
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- Transparency and Consistency: Centralised processes aim to ensure fairness and standardised quality in higher education.
- Alignment with NEP 2020: Supports objectives for academic excellence and global competitiveness.
- Simplification: Removes ambiguities from 2018 regulations and defines committee structures clearly.
- Against the 2025 Draft:
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- Erosion of State Autonomy: The regulations shift power to the Chancellor (Governor), often viewed as a nominee of the Centre, sidelining state governments.
- Federalism Concerns: Critics argue this undermines the federal structure by curtailing states’ ability to manage their education systems.
