Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that the draft UGC regulations, which could even eliminate the power of states to legislate in the field of higher education, are an encroachment on the autonomy of the states and a violation of federal principles. He was speaking after inaugurating a national seminar held at the Sankaranarayanan Hall of the Legislative Assembly to discuss the draft UGC regulations. The role of state governments in the establishment and management of state universities is important. According to Article 32 of the 7th Schedule of the Constitution of India, the supervision and management of universities is within the jurisdiction of the states. According to Article 66 of the Union List, the role of the central government in coordinating higher education and research institutions and setting standards was limited. The draft UGC regulations are destroying the balance. In 1949, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s speeches in the Constituent Assembly had clarified the power of the states in the field of higher education, the Chief Minister said. The 42nd Constitutional Amendment in 1977 introduced greater central control in this area. The Kerala Assembly unanimously passed a resolution calling for the withdrawal of the draft and holding consultations.
The Kerala government has appointed a five-member committee headed by Prof. Prabhat Patnaik to study the draft. The draft completely ignores the role of state governments in the appointment of vice-chancellors. The proposal to appoint vice-chancellors from industry or public administration will destroy academic standards. The Chief Minister also expressed concern over the removal of the Academic Performance Indicator (API) system and the imposition of arbitrary criteria. Everyone should remain vigilant and united in protecting the rights of the states, protect the integrity of educational institutions and uphold the diversity of the educational process. The Chief Minister also said that it is a matter of pride that state ministers and high-ranking officials from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Telangana are part of this national convention.
Higher Education Minister Dr. R Bindu delivered the introductory speech. Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Wickramaraka Mallu, Karnataka Higher Education Minister Dr. M.C Sudhakar, and Tamil Nadu Higher Education Minister Dr. Gopi Chezhiyan were the chief guests. Opposition Leader V.D Satheesan delivered the keynote address. Registration Minister Ramachandran Kadannappally, Prof. Prabhat Patnaik, Higher Education Council Vice Chairman Rajan Gurukkal, Tamil Nadu Higher Education Council Vice Chairman Dr. M.P Vijayakumar, Karnataka Higher Education Council Vice Chairperson Prof. S.R Niranjana, Telangana Collegiate and Technical Education Director A Sridevasena, and Higher Education Council Member Secretary Dr. Rajan Varghese were present. Collegiate Education Director Sudhir K. proposed the vote of thanks.
