Mon Jan 27 07:01:16 UTC 2025: ## Tamil Nadu Teachers to Protest New UGC Guidelines
**Chennai, January 27, 2025** – The Tamil Nadu Government College Teachers’ Association (TNGCTA) announced a week-long protest beginning Tuesday, January 28th, against the proposed University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines. The association argues that several recommendations undermine higher education and threaten academic integrity.
The protests will include daily actions, starting with a statewide sloganeering demonstration in front of government arts and science colleges on Tuesday. This will be followed by a social media campaign and public awareness meetings on January 30th and 31st respectively. A state-level seminar in Kumbakonam on February 1st will precede the final phase of the protest—emailing the UGC on February 3rd and 4th.
Key objections raised by the TNGCTA include the UGC’s proposal to include a nominee in the Vice-Chancellor selection panel, which they deem anti-federalist. They also oppose the appointment of non-academic VCs, fearing the commercialization of higher education. Further concerns include mandatory research funding from private organizations, the introduction of online courses potentially eliminating teaching jobs, and the requirement of startups for teacher promotions. The association also opposes the suggestion of admitting students twice a year and the increased use of contract-based teachers.
S. Suresh, general secretary of the TNGCTA, emphasized the association’s firm stance against these proposals, calling them detrimental to the quality and integrity of higher education in Tamil Nadu. The protests are expected to continue until February 4th.
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