BRS Critiques UGC Regulation Modifications for Violating Federal Principles
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) has publicly opposed the proposed changes to UGC guidelines, arguing that they infringe upon federal principles and state authority over educational institutions.
Key Takeaways
- BRS opposes changes that threaten state rights.
- KTR emphasizes the importance of university autonomy.
- Concerns raised over potential misuse of new recruitment clauses.
- Changes could undermine social justice for marginalized communities.
- Union Minister Pradhan met with BRS representatives.
Hyderabad, Feb 6 (NationPress) The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) has expressed its opposition to the newly proposed alterations in the University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines, asserting that these changes breach the federal spirit and diminish state jurisdiction over universities.
BRS Working President K.T. Rama Rao (KTR), accompanied by party officials and community representatives, engaged with Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday, presenting a formal representation.
Subsequently, KTR briefed the media, providing an in-depth overview of the discussions and the party's perspective on significant matters.
He mentioned that the party had delivered an official letter to the central government, detailing its opinions regarding the proposed amendments to UGC regulations.
KTR emphasized that the reason Indian citizens are effectively demonstrating their talents globally is due to the robust foundation established by the nation’s universities. This accomplishment, he noted, is primarily attributed to the research and innovation nurtured within these institutions.
Pointing out the richness of India’s educational landscape, KTR highlighted the extensive range of establishments, which encompasses Central and State Government universities, private educational organizations, and esteemed institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). The BRS party conveyed its apprehensions regarding the proposed amendments to UGC regulations to Union Minister Pradhan.
KTR articulated that the central government’s proposed changes to UGC regulations threaten state rights and contravene democratic values. The initiative to empower state governors to appoint Vice Chancellors via search committees directly meddles with state jurisdictions.
KTR condemned this action as a significant overreach by the central government, infringing on the autonomy of state-operated universities.
After consulting with experts in the education sector about the forthcoming UGC guidelines, the party communicated its position to the central authorities. KTR highlighted that placing state universities entirely under the governance of governors undermines the essence of federalism, thereby compromising the nation’s democratic framework.
The BRS also raised critical concerns regarding the introduction of a “No Suitable Candidate Found” clause in the hiring process.
KTR cautioned that this clause could be manipulated to circumvent reservation policies for SC, ST, and BC communities, enabling appointments from other categories under the guise of unavailability. He insisted that such actions would directly violate the constitutional rights afforded to marginalized groups and undermine social justice.
