On January 6, 2024, UGC declared the 2025 Draft Regulations, which amount to a fresh assault on academic freedoms. https://thewire.in/education/why-the-ugc-draft-regulations-amount-to-a-fresh-assault-on-academic-freedoms Sandhya Devesan 05/02/2025
First, the post of the Vice Chancellor is now open to candidates from outside academia, and what has been vaguely termed ‘industry’, and thus stands immediately compromised This also opens up the path to further privatisation of the University, which needs to be read along with clause 3.8 outlining ‘notable contributions’ as well.
Clause 3.8 also has to be read along with Clause 11.0, which threatens punitive action against the teachers and the institution, in the event of “violations” of the UGC Provisions. These violations are generally stated, making them entirely subjective, open to interpretation, and especially coercive.
Clause 12.0 concretises this further by stating that, “In the event of any conflict or inconsistency with respect to these regulations, the interpretation given by the Commission shall be final and binding”, thereby giving no opportunity to any aggrieved entities to submit their case for appeal.
As is evident, this is an extremely draconian and feudal move intended to suppress all democratic functioning within the University, and to grant absolute powers to a small minority of people.
After Tamil Nadu, Kerala wants draft UGC regulations withdrawn; passes resolution https://thesouthfirst.com/kerala/after-tamil-nadu-kerala-wants-draft-ugc-regulations-withdrawn-passes-resolution/
UGC draft guidelines: Controversy erupts over proposal for de-reservation in higher education institutes https://thesouthfirst.com/news/ugc-draft-guidelines-controversy-erupts-over-proposal-for-de-reservation-in-higher-education-institutes/
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