Why in News?
Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar moved the Supreme Court seeking to bar the Chief Minister’s role in appointing Vice Chancellors, citing UGC Regulations (2018) that vest authority in the Chancellor/Governor, and requested inclusion of the UGC as a party in the case.
Description:
- UGC Draft Regulations 2025 on VC appointments sparked Centre–State disputes, raising federalism concerns.
Vice-Chancellor Appointment Process & Draft UGC Regulations 2025:
| Type of University | Existing Process | Draft UGC Regulations 2025 |
| Central Universities | Established by Acts of Parliament.The President of India (Visitor) has the final say.Committee: 2 nominees of Executive Council + 1 nominee of Visitor. | Search-cum-Selection Committee (3 members):1 by Visitor,1 by UGC Chairman,1 by the University apex body.Visitor directly constitutes a committee (greater Centre role). |
| State Universities | Governed by State laws.Chancellor (Governor) appoints VC on recommendations of the committee.Example: Kerala – nominees from UGC, and Chancellor. | Same 3-member committee as above.Centre-aligned majority (Visitor/Chancellor + UGC). |
| Private Universities | Similar search committee method.UGC has a limited role (only one nominee). | Same 3-member structure, ensuring UGC and Chancellor’s dominance. |
| Eligibility Criteria | Traditionally restricted to senior professors. | Expanded to include persons from industry, public policy, PSUs, administration, apart from professors. |
Centre–State Disputes:
- Kerala: 2021 clash between Governor & govt; Bill to replace Governor as Chancellor pending Presidential assent.
- West Bengal: SC involvement over Governor’s unilateral interim VC appointments; CM proposed as Chancellor → Bill stalled.
- Karnataka: Bills to remove Governor as Chancellor pending.
- Maharashtra: 2022 reversal → restored Governor’s role.
- Tamil Nadu: Govt move to bypass Governor blocked.
Federalism Concerns:
- States’ View:
- Rules erode state autonomy in education.
- Governors (appointed by the Centre) gain more power.
- Seen as “anti-federal” and “assault on state rights”.
- UGC’s Defence:
- Aligns with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
- Ensures transparency & quality in leadership.
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