Tamil Nadu Assembly Passes Resolution for Withdrawal of UGC Draft Regulations: A Move by CM Stalin
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Chennai, Jan 9 (NationPress) The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on Thursday reached a unanimous decision to adopt a resolution presented by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, compelling the Centre to withdraw the draft University Grants Commission (UGC) Regulations of 2025 without delay.
These proposed regulations focus on the selection and appointment procedures for Vice-Chancellors (V-Cs), as well as the essential qualifications needed for the hiring and promotion of educators and academic personnel in colleges and universities.
While discussing the resolution, Chief Minister Stalin emphasized that the draft regulations contradict the essence of federalism, as they infringe upon the rights of states and diminish the power of democratically elected state administrations.
He cautioned, “If the Centre maintains its position, we will bring this issue to the public's attention and seek legal recourse.”
CM Stalin insisted that education should remain under the jurisdiction of state governments, as only they can guarantee equity in education.
Legislators from various political factions, including the AIADMK, rallied behind the resolution. However, members of the BJP staged a walkout in protest prior to the vote.
The Assembly expressed its disapproval regarding the draft’s stipulation on the selection and appointment of Vice-Chancellors (V-Cs).
The suggested regulations empower the Governor/Chancellor to form a three-member search and selection committee for the appointment of V-Cs.
This committee would comprise appointees from the Chancellor, the UGC Chairman, and the governing body of the relevant university, such as its syndicate or senate.
The resolution denounced these provisions, arguing that they violate the federalism principle established in the Indian Constitution and adversely affect Tamil Nadu’s higher education framework.
CM Stalin contended that the draft regulations would be detrimental to the state’s education sector, which is built on the principles of social justice, and could threaten the future prospects of Tamil Nadu’s youth.
He called on the Union government to retract the suggested guidelines.
CM Stalin further criticized the Centre, accusing it of implementing policies that undermine education and employment inclusivity.
Referring to the National Education Policy (NEP), he asserted it was aimed at unsettling school education. He also claimed that public examinations introduced by the Centre were discouraging students from continuing their studies.
“NEET has shattered the aspirations of medical candidates and is fraught with irregularities,” CM Stalin remarked.
He accused the Centre of unlawfully “seizing” universities that were established with state government funds.
The CM highlighted Tamil Nadu’s standing for housing some of the nation’s premier educational institutions and affirmed that the DMK government would not remain passive while the autonomy of these institutions is compromised.
