Sat Jan 18 14:03:51 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka Minister Condemns Central Government’s Higher Education Reforms
**Mysuru, January 18, 2025** – Karnataka’s Higher Education Minister M.C. Sudhakar criticized the Union government on Saturday for implementing “radical changes” to the higher education system without consulting state governments. Speaking at the University of Mysore’s 105th annual convocation, Sudhakar, who also serves as the university’s pro-chancellor, accused the Centre of attempting to unilaterally control the system.
He argued that the central government’s proposed UGC regulations for 2025 aim to strip state governments of their role in higher education, despite states bearing the financial burden of employee salaries, pensions, and infrastructure. This, he stated, is unacceptable given the states’ responsibility for addressing university shortcomings and ensuring adequate teaching staff.
Sudhakar further highlighted the cessation of research grants from the UGC over the past decade, hindering research activities in universities. He expressed concern that the Centre’s pursuit of a foreign education model ignores the strengths of India’s existing system. He emphasized the potential negative impact on students relying on public universities. The Minister stressed the need for state governments to have a voice in shaping the future of higher education in India.
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