Federalism under threat? Karnataka CM to PM on UGC rules

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to put the draft UGC regulations on hold, emphasizing the need for broad-based consultations to protect states' rights and maintain quality education. Siddaramaiah's letter highlights concerns over the erosion of cooperative federalism and the autonomy of state universities.

Concerns Over UGC Draft Regulations

Siddaramaiah's plea to PM Modi centers on the Draft Regulations on Minimum Qualifications for Appointment and Promotion of Teachers and Academic Staff in Universities and Colleges and Measures for Maintenance of Standards in Higher Education, 20251. He argues the regulations, issued under the UGC Act, 1956, threaten the constitutional balance between the Union and state governments in higher education.

Upholding Cooperative Federalism

Siddaramaiah stresses that while the Union List empowers the Centre to coordinate and set standards in higher education, this power should not exclude states from governing their universities. He notes that states bear the majority of financial and administrative responsibility for higher education, with Karnataka making significant investments to promote inclusivity and innovation.

Objections to Vice-Chancellor Selection

A key concern is the proposal to remove state governments' role in selecting vice-chancellors and allow individuals without teaching or research experience to hold the position. Siddaramaiah believes that university leadership should be entrusted to those with a deep understanding of academia. He also stated that the draft regulations state advertisements to appoint VCs should be placed in national newspapers, inviting applications, which poses a risk of non-native individuals occupying VC positions in state universities.

Call for Consultation and Collaboration

Siddaramaiah urges Modi to put the draft UGC Regulations, 2025, on hold and initiate consultations with states, academicians, and stakeholders. He emphasizes that a deliberative approach is essential to uphold cooperative federalism and ensure an inclusive higher education system1. Jairam Ramesh, Congress general secretary, echoed these concerns, noting widespread opposition to what he termed "anti-federal and anti-democratic regulations.