Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh highlighted several contentious provisions in the draft UGC (Minimum Qualifications for Appointment and Promotion of Teachers and Academic Staff in Universities and Colleges and Measures for the Maintenance of Standards in Higher Education) Regulations, 2025. One major concern is the removal of the 10% ceiling on contractual professorships, which Ramesh argues could lead to large-scale contractualization of teaching positions, potentially undermining the quality and independence of academic institutions.
Another significant issue raised by the Congress pertains to the proposed changes in the appointment process for vice-chancellors (VCs) in state universities. The draft regulations suggest withdrawing all powers of state governments in appointing VCs, granting unilateral authority to the central government through the UGC and the university's chancellor, typically the governor appointed by the Centre. Ramesh contends that this move could erode the autonomy of state universities and pave the way for appointing individuals aligned with specific ideological leanings, particularly those associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
Karnataka's Higher Education Minister, M.C. Sudhakar, has echoed these concerns. In a letter to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Sudhakar emphasized that excluding state governments from the VC appointment process undermines their legitimate role in enhancing higher education within their jurisdictions. He pointed out that state governments are accountable for university administration and are answerable to legislative bodies, making their involvement crucial.
The Congress party's apprehensions extend to the draft regulations' provision allowing non-academics to be appointed as vice-chancellors. Ramesh argues that this amendment is intended to enable the appointment of individuals lacking academic credentials but possessing ideological affiliations, potentially compromising academic standards and independence.
In response to these criticisms, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan defended the draft regulations, stating that they aim to infuse innovation, inclusivity, flexibility, and dynamism into higher education. He asserted that the proposed changes would empower teachers and academic staff, strengthen academic standards, and pave the way for achieving educational excellence. Pradhan also mentioned that the draft regulations have been placed in the public domain for feedback, suggestions, and consultations, expressing confidence that the UGC will finalize them after considering stakeholders' inputs.
The draft regulations have sparked a broader debate about the balance of power between central and state governments in higher education governance. Critics argue that centralizing authority over key appointments could undermine the federal structure and diminish the role of states in shaping educational policies tailored to regional needs. Supporters, however, contend that a standardized, centralized approach could enhance the quality and uniformity of higher education across the country.
The proposal to remove the cap on contractual appointments has also raised concerns about job security and the attractiveness of academic careers. Opponents fear that increasing reliance on contractual faculty could lead to precarious employment conditions, deter talented individuals from pursuing academic professions, and negatively impact the quality of education imparted to students.