Thu Jan 30 22:40:33 UTC 2025: ## West Bengal Committee Condemns UGC Draft Regulations on University Vice-Chancellor Appointments
**Kolkata, January 31, 2025** – A West Bengal government-appointed committee has strongly criticized the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) draft regulations for appointing university vice-chancellors (VCs), submitting a report with recommendations for significant changes on Thursday. The committee, led by Prof. Debnarayan Bandopadhyay, denounced the regulations as “catastrophic,” arguing they undermine federal structures and pave the way for politicization of academic posts.
The report highlights concerns over the proposed selection criteria, deeming them inadequate and lacking basic educational standards. Committee members specifically condemned the UGC’s suggestion that non-academic individuals could hold the VC position. Prof. Om Prakash Mishra emphasized that the role should be exclusively reserved for academics.
The committee further advocated for a revised selection process involving a balanced, non-discriminatory committee with representation from both the central and state governments to ensure fairness. The proposed lateral entry provisions in the regulations were also condemned as unacceptable.
The committee urged the UGC to redraft the regulations after consulting with all stakeholders. The report was submitted to the West Bengal Minister of Higher Education, Bratya Basu. The state government is expected to formally oppose the draft regulations.
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