All About The Controversial UGC Draft Regulations

The draft University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations, 2025 has sparked a political slugfest, with non-BJP-ruled states in the South opposing the proposals, which aim to transform how faculty members are recruited and promoted across higher education institutions (HEIs) in the country.

- Vested Interests

At the heart of the opposition is the contentious issue of the overarching powers given to the centrally appointed governors in selecting and appointing Vice-Chancellors of universities.

While launching the Draft UGC (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, Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan had on January 6 said, "By promoting flexibility, inclusivity, and recognising diverse talents, we are paving the way for a dynamic academic future for India."

However, it came under attack not only from Opposition-ruled states like Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Karnataka, which also passed a resolution calling for its repeal at a conclave of higher education ministers, but also some of the teachers' associations for diluting the eligibility criteria for hiring.

The draft seeks to replace the UGC Regulations on Minimum Qualifications for Appointment of Teachers and Other Academic Staff in Universities and Colleges and Measures for the Maintenance of Standards in Higher Education notified in 2018 (UGC 2018). It is part of the Narendra Modi government's push to implement the National Education Policy-2020 (NEP 2020).

The main concern of the Opposition, including the Congress, is that despite education falling under the concurrent list, the draft demonstrates the Centre's attempt to control HEIs through governors in states they do not rule.

While Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan described it as "undemocratic and excessive", Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin went a step ahead and wrote to Pradhan demanding the withdrawal of the draft. In a separate letter, Stalin urged chief ministers of all non-BJP-ruled states, including West Bengal, to adopt a resolution to register their vehement opposition to the draft.