UGC Draft Regulations on Vice-Chancellors Appointment
The University Grants Commission's (UGC) recent draft regulations concerning the appointment of vice-chancellors (V-Cs) have intensified Centre-state tensions.
Overview of Draft Regulations
- The draft, dated January 7, seeks to address ambiguities in the 2018 regulations regarding V-C appointments.
- These regulations seem to enhance the Centre's influence over state-funded universities.
Role of the Governor
The governor, as the Centre's representative, plays a central role in the controversy, particularly concerning the qualifications for the V-C role.
- Traditionally, the governor acts as the chancellor of state universities.
- The new regulations grant the governor significant power in V-C appointments.
Appointment Process Details
- The 2018 regulations allowed a search committee of "eminent persons" to shortlist candidates.
- The chancellor (governor) would then choose from these recommended candidates.
- State-specific laws guided the composition of these committees in state universities.
- The draft regulations override state laws, dictating the search committee's composition.
Composition of the Search Committee
- Constituted by the governor.
- Includes a member nominated by the chancellor (governor), the UGC chairman, and a member from the university's apex body.
- This structure excludes state governments from the V-C appointment process in state-funded universities.
Concerns and Opposition
States like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and West Bengal are notably opposed, with some issues pending in the Supreme Court.
Qualifications for V-Cs
- The draft permits appointments beyond traditional academia, including individuals from industry and public sectors.
- Critics question the benefit of such a diverse talent pool for the V-C role.
Objective and Criticism
The regulations aim to maintain higher education standards, but state governments doubt their effectiveness in improving education quality.
- Past experiences with central universities suggest central influence might inject ideological or political biases into academia.
- The new regulations, while attempting to clarify, add further complexity to Centre-state relations.