Chandigarh, January 24
Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee (HPCC) President Rao Narendra Singh has strongly criticized the proposed changes in the University Grants Commission (UGC) Draft Regulations 2025 by the Central Government. He described these changes as a direct attack on the country’s federal structure, stating that they pose a serious threat to the constitutional rights of the states.
In a statement, Rao Narendra Singh elaborated that although education is a subject in the Concurrent List, the Central Government is attempting to establish unilateral and centralized control over universities through the UGC. The new draft regulations significantly weaken the role of state governments, raising fears that the academic autonomy of the states will be eliminated.
Singh particularly objected to the process of appointing Vice-Chancellors. He alleged that under the proposed rules, central interference is being increased in the appointment of Vice-Chancellors, curriculum development, and other important administrative decisions, while attempting to relegate states to the role of mere spectators. This step is not only against the federal principles of the Indian Constitution but also undermines democratic values and institutional freedom in higher education.
Singh stated that this is ending the autonomy of the states and bringing state universities under central control, effectively turning them into mere spectators. “These changes are not only against the core principles of the federal structure but also weaken democratic values and academic autonomy”, he said, while adding, “The Congress Party has always been against excessive centralization of education. We are committed to protecting the rights of the states, the autonomy of universities, and the dignity of educational institutions.”
Singh demanded that the Central Government immediately withdraw these controversial draft UGC regulations and take any final decision only after extensive consultation and consensus with all states. “The Pradesh Congress President warned that if the Centre insists on implementing these rules, the party will not compromise on the interests of students, teachers, and the states at any cost”, he said. Singh made it clear that this issue will be turned into a mass movement and strongly opposed at every level.
