Kerala, Tamil Nadu CMs Oppose New UGC Regulations in Education Row

Tamil Nadu and Kerala Chief Ministers Clash with Center over University Control

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan joined Tamil Nadu's MK Stalin in criticizing the draft of new University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations, igniting a political tussle. The regulations, deemed controversial, have sparked debate and raised concerns over states' rights.

Mr. Vijayan presented a resolution in the Kerala Assembly demanding the withdrawal of the guidelines. Mr. Stalin had previously voiced his concerns, stating that certain sections conflicted with the state's educational system. He urged Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to scrap the contentious rules.

At the heart of the dispute lies the appointment of Vice Chancellors for state-run universities. Both states are locked in a battle with their respective Governors, who act as Chancellors, over a bill to limit their influence on the appointment process. The new UGC regulations would allow the Governor to nominate a UGC member to the search committee, further fueling the conflict.

The Supreme Court is currently hearing a plea by the Tamil Nadu government regarding the vacancies of Vice Chancellors in at least six universities. The Governor's insistence on including a UGC nominee in the search committees has created an impasse, with the state arguing against this requirement.

In a bid to rally support, Mr. Stalin wrote to Chief Ministers of non-BJP ruled states, urging them to pass similar resolutions. Letters were sent to leaders in Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Jharkhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Telangana, West Bengal, and Kerala. The appeal called for a united front against perceived attempts to centralize power and undermine the federal structure.

The DMK spokesperson underscored the party's stance, stating that the new UGC guidelines strip away the rights of elected state governments. He questioned the justification that the rules would improve education quality, highlighting Tamil Nadu's strong performance in this sector.

Other contentious points in the guidelines include the introduction of entrance exams for undergraduate and postgraduate courses and the Multiple Entry, Multiple Exit proposal. This proposal would allow students, regardless of their previous stream, to pursue any degree, theoretically enabling an arts graduate to pursue a postgraduate degree in engineering or technology. The proposed changes have sparked a debate over education policy and states' rights.

The latest updates on this news highlight the ongoing tension between the central government and the states regarding educational policies. This political analysis suggests the battle for control over educational institutions is likely to continue. Stay tuned for today's latest news and analysis on this developing story.

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