Tue Jan 21 12:42:36 IST 2025: ## Kerala Assembly Unanimously Rejects Draft UGC Regulations
**Thiruvananthapuram, January 21, 2025** – The Kerala Legislative Assembly today unanimously passed a resolution demanding the immediate withdrawal of the Draft University Grants Commission (UGC) Regulations of 2025. The resolution, moved by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, criticizes the regulations for undermining India’s federal structure and unduly centralizing control over higher education.
Echoing a similar resolution passed by the Tamil Nadu Assembly, Kerala’s resolution argues that the draft regulations are inconsistent with the Constitution and fail to adequately consult state governments, academics, and other stakeholders. It highlights the concern that the central government’s role should be limited to coordination and standard-setting, not direct control.
The Kerala Assembly specifically objects to the exclusion of state governments from key decisions, such as the appointment of Vice-Chancellors and the setting of faculty qualifications. The resolution emphasizes that state governments contribute approximately 80% of higher education funding and should have a commensurate voice. Furthermore, it expresses deep concern over provisions allowing the appointment of Vice-Chancellors from the private sector, potentially with commercial backgrounds, fearing this could lead to the commercialization of higher education and erosion of academic freedom.
The resolution calls for a complete review of the draft regulations and the introduction of new guidelines only after thorough consultations with all relevant parties. Chief Minister Vijayan urged the central government to reconsider its approach and ensure that the interests of all stakeholders are protected.
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