Synopsis
On February 6, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will join a protest organized by DMK's student wing in Delhi, opposing the controversial UGC draft rules that enhance Governors' powers over vice-chancellor appointments in state universities.Key Takeaways
- Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav participating in protest.
- Protest against UGC draft rules.
- DMK's student wing leading the demonstration.
- Concerns over federalism and academic integrity.
- UGC draft allows non-academic appointments.
New Delhi, Feb 6 (NationPress) In a noteworthy political response against the University Grants Commission (UGC) draft regulations, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, alongside Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav and several DMK MPs, will participate in a protest in Delhi on Thursday.
The DMK's student wing is set to demonstrate against the UGC draft regulations at 10 a.m. at Jantar Mantar in the national capital, joined by various leaders from the INDIA bloc. These rules grant Governors (Chancellors) enhanced powers in appointing vice-chancellors at state-funded universities.
The Tamil Nadu Assembly also passed a resolution on January 9 urging the withdrawal of these draft regulations.
In the Assembly, Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin stated, "This Assembly believes that the recent UGC draft regulations should be rescinded. They undermine the concept of federalism and adversely impact Tamil Nadu's higher education system."
Stalin has also reached out to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan requesting the retraction of the notification and has urged Chief Ministers from opposition-led states to introduce similar resolutions in their Assemblies.
The proposed regulations allow individuals with non-academic backgrounds, including those from the private sector, to be considered for the role of vice-chancellors. States express concern that this could empower the BJP-led Centre to appoint supporters of its ideology who may lack vital academic and administrative qualifications.
Previously, on January 10, the DMK's student wing organized a protest at Valluvar Kottam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, opposing the UGC draft regulations, asserting they contravene the principles of federalism.
According to the UGC's new draft guidelines, candidates can qualify for teaching roles in higher education by passing the UGC-NET in any subject, even if their undergraduate and postgraduate degrees are in different disciplines.
The proposed guidelines also suggest modifications to the selection criteria for vice-chancellors, broadening eligibility to include professionals from academia, research institutions, public policy, public administration, and industry.
On January 10, UGC Chairman M. Jagadesh Kumar defended the amended rules, stressing that the new process "removes ambiguity and guarantees transparency."
He noted that the selection committee will comprise three members: one appointed by the chancellor, one by the UGC Chairman, and one by the university's executive council or senate.
"This framework eliminates ambiguity and assures a more transparent process," Kumar reiterated, addressing concerns raised by educators and state governments.
