Political interference in the appointment of vice-chancellors?
A new controversy has arisen over the appointment of vice-chancellors on the new rules of the university Grants Commission (UGC). This is not just an administrative change, but it also has many academic, social and political aspects. Let us understand in detail what impact it can have on universities. The new draft 2025 of the UGC (University Grants Commission) has some provisions that can give unprecedented powers to the state governors in the appointment of vice-chancellors (VCs). Many state governments do not agree with this and have strongly objected to these rules.
The governor is usually also the chancellor of the state university. According to the new rules, the role of governors will increase significantly in the selection and appointment of candidates for the post of vice-chancellor. This can reduce the powers of the education ministries of the states and endanger the independence of universities.
The state governments say that this move is against the indian Constitution and will increase political interference in higher education. He believes that universities should have the right to independently choose their vice-chancellors.
What is the rule in the new draft of UGC for the appointment of vice-chancellors?
UGC has further strengthened the role of governors in the appointment process of vice-chancellors. There are some changes in these rules which can increase the interference of the central government. According to the new rules, the 'Chancellor / Visitor' will form a 'Search-cum-Selection Committee' of three experts. The 2018 rules did not state who would form the committee.
The new rules clearly state the members of the committee: one member will be nominated by the Chancellor / Visitor, one member will be nominated by the UGC Chairman, one member will be nominated by the highest body of the university (Senate / Syndicate / Executive Council). This will give the representatives of the central government a majority in the committee. The 2018 rules did not have so much clarity about the formation of the committee.
Earlier, the state government used to send a list of three names to the governor and the governor would choose one of them as his representative. Now the governor will directly nominate his representative. There was already a representative of UGC in the committee and there will be one now too. This is also necessary because it is the job of UGC to maintain the standards of education.
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