Opposition Grows Against UGC's Draft Regulations: Protests, Resolutions, and Controversies Emerge

WHAT HAS HAPPENED?

In a significant development, Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, joined a protest led by the DMK's student wing at Jantar Mantar on Thursday, expressing strong opposition to the University Grants Commission's (UGC) draft regulations. Gandhi claimed that the draft rules were “an attempt to impose RSS ideology on the country’s education system.” Alongside him, SP president Akhilesh Yadav and DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi also participated in the protest.

RESOLUTION PASSED AGAINST UGC RULES

On February 6, 2025, Ministers for Higher Education and their representatives from six states passed a joint resolution opposing the new draft of the UGC regulations titled “Minimum Qualifications for Appointment and Promotion of Teachers and Academic Staff in Universities and Colleges and Measures for the Maintenance of Standards in Higher Education Regulations, 2025,” along with the grading of higher education institutions based on the New Education Policy-2. This resolution was the result of the State Higher Education Ministers-2025 conclave, hosted by Karnataka.

Representatives from Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Karnataka participated in the conclave, and a 15-point resolution was passed, urging the Union government to withdraw the new draft regulations. Tamil Nadu was the first state to pass a resolution in the assembly against the draft, followed by states like Kerala. The states argued that the BJP-headed Union government is attempting to push its agenda and ideology through the new regulations, undermining federal principles.

Karnataka’s Higher Education Minister M.C. Sudhakar noted that even parties allied with the BJP, such as the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in Andhra Pradesh, Janata Dal United (JDU), and the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP-Ram Vilas) in Bihar, have expressed objections to the UGC draft regulations. Sudhakar emphasized, “We have urged the Union government to immediately withdraw them and hold a collective consultation with states.” He added that they would await the UGC’s decision before determining the next course of action.

UGC IS A REGULATORY BODY

Sudhakar also stated that the UGC is only a regulatory body and cannot override the powers of the states. He highlighted that the regulations give Governors complete power over the appointment of Vice-Chancellors, leaving states with no control. “However, all the functions, including the development of university infrastructure, recruitment, salary, and other rules, are carried out by the state governments. We are confident that the UGC and the Union Education Ministry will reconsider and invite all the states for detailed deliberation,” said Sudhakar.

WHAT UGC IS SAYING?

Responding to the growing opposition, UGC Chairman M. Jagadesh Kumar defended the draft regulations, claiming that the new rules aim to “ensure the highest standards in universities by introducing a more inclusive and transparent selection process.” He further argued that the regulations are designed to uphold the autonomy and accountability of higher education institutions. Kumar expressed that the UGC “welcomes constructive feedback” and would work collaboratively to address concerns.