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The Indian University and the Search for a Vice-Chancellor
Context:
The Draft University Grants Commission (UGC) Regulations, 2025 propose significant changes in the appointment and eligibility criteria of Vice-Chancellors (V-Cs). The key concerns include the reduced role of State executives in selection and the broadening of eligibility criteria.
Broadening of Eligibility Criteria for Vice-Chancellors
- Traditional vs. Expanded Eligibility Criteria
- Traditional Model (2010-2018 UGC Regulations):
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- Required 10 years of a professorship or equivalent academic experience.
- Focused on research-oriented leadership.
- New Proposed Model (2025 Draft Regulations):
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- Allows candidates with experience in public policy, government, and private sector industry.
- Aims to bring diverse expertise beyond academic circles.
- Concerns Regarding Broadening Eligibility
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- Potential dilution of academic rigour and expertise.
Global Best Practices in University Leadership
- International models emphasise diverse leadership skills:
- Post-tertiary education, indexed publications, public speaking skills, and visionary insights are considered.
- Eminent figures from public service, industry, diplomacy, arts, and sports have successfully led universities worldwide.
- The UGC’s approach aligns with global trends but must ensure a balance between academic merit and leadership acumen.
- A V-C must possess deep academic insight, which non-academic professionals may lack.
- Courts like the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court have taken a restrictive view on eligibility, emphasising academic credentials.
Stakeholders Affected by the Proposed Changes
- State Governments and State Universities
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- Reduced State role limits their ability to shape university leadership.
- State universities cater to regional educational priorities and state-led innovation.
- University Governance Bodies
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- University executives lose direct influence over V-C appointments.
- Central universities follow a similar model where the Chancellor, UGC, and university bodies oversee selection.
- Academic and Non-Academic Professionals
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- Expanded eligibility criteria open positions to non-academic backgrounds.
- Some argue this may dilute the focus on academic scholarship.
Key Concerns in UGC Regulations
Reduced Role of State Executives in V-C Appointments
- Judicial Precedents Limiting State Influence
- The Supreme Court of India has consistently ruled against State executive involvement in V-C selection.
- Important judgments:
- Gambhirdan K. Gadhvi vs State of Gujarat (2019): Rule that State executive members cannot be part of the selection committee.
- Professor (Dr.) Sreejith P.S vs Dr. Rajasree M.S. (2022): Declared the V-C’s appointment void due to non-compliance with UGC norms.
- Dr. Premachandran Keezhoth vs The Chancellor, Kannur University (2023): Reinforced the need for an independent selection process.
Rationale Behind the Court’s Ruling
- Ensuring Compliance with UGC Regulations: The UGC’s 2018 regulations mandate a selection committee with only a UGC representative and no State executive influence.
- Preventing Arbitrary Appointments: Political interference could lead to biased appointments, undermining merit-based selection.
- Preserving Autonomy and Neutrality: The selection process must be free from political and administrative influence to maintain academic integrity and independence.
Way Forward: Balancing Autonomy and State Interests
- State Nominee with Specific Criteria
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- Allow the State executive to nominate one member to the search committee.
- The nominee must be a distinguished academic with no active government role.
- Similar to Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) guidelines, ensuring neutrality.
- Increased Consultation Mechanism
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- Introduce a pre-selection consultation phase.
- The State executive can provide inputs on regional educational needs without directly influencing selection.
