Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan introduced a resolution in the state legislative assembly today, urging the Center to withdraw the draft 2025 University Grants Commission (UGC) rules and introduce new norms after holding extensive discussions with state governments and education experts. The decision was made unanimously by the meeting.
In his speech, the Chief Minister emphasized that universities across the country work in accordance with the laws passed by their state legislatures, and any move to impose central laws without due consultation will undermine the constitution of India.
Vijayan pointed out that the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1977 moved education, including higher education, to the Consensus List, giving states the responsibility of establishing and overseeing universities. Although the Federal Government has the authority to coordinate and adjust standards, state governments fund about 80 percent of university operations and play an important role in ensuring quality education.
The decision expressed concern over the exclusion of provincial governments from important positions such as Vice Chancellor positions and teacher qualifications. The Chief Minister criticized the draft UGC regulations for sidelining state authorities and introducing provisions that could commercialize higher education by appointing individuals from the private sector, without consulting education experts.
The meeting unanimously requested the Central Government to review the draft regulations and consult with all stakeholders before issuing new guidelines.
Vijayan had earlier written to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, urging him to review the proposed rules.
Earlier this month, the Tamil Nadu assembly passed a similar resolution, asking the Union Education Ministry to immediately withdraw the draft UGC regulation 2025, saying it would give more power to governors in the appointment of vice-chancellors.