Kerala Hosts National Convention Opposing Draft UGC Regulations
In a significant move, the Kerala government recently hosted a national convention opposing the Draft UGC Regulations, 2025. The event saw participation from representatives of various states, including Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana, as well as all major parties in Kerala. The convention highlighted the concerns and fears of the academic community regarding the regulations, which were deemed to be infringing upon the basic federal principles.
The UGC (University Grants Commission) is an apex regulatory body that oversees the higher education sector in India. The Draft UGC Regulations, 2025, were introduced with the intention of bringing about reforms and standardization in the higher education system. However, the proposal has been met with widespread criticism and opposition from various quarters, including academics, students, and political parties.
The national convention, held in Thiruvananthapuram, brought together experts, academics, and politicians to discuss the implications of the Draft UGC Regulations. The event was inaugurated by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who emphasized the need for a national discussion on the regulations. Vijayan stated that the Kerala government was committed to protecting the autonomy of educational institutions and upholding the federal principles of the Constitution.
The convention was attended by representatives from various states, including Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana. These representatives expressed their concerns and fears regarding the Draft UGC Regulations, which they believed would undermine the autonomy of state universities and colleges. They also highlighted the lack of consultation with state governments and the academic community during the drafting process.
The convention also saw participation from all major parties in Kerala, including the Left Democratic Front (LDF), the United Democratic Front (UDF), and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The parties expressed their opposition to the Draft UGC Regulations, citing concerns over the erosion of academic freedom, the imposition of uniform curricula, and the curtailment of autonomy of educational institutions.
One of the key concerns raised during the convention was the proposal to introduce a uniform curriculum across all universities in India. The draft regulations suggest that all universities will have to follow a common curriculum, which would be prescribed by the UGC. This move has been criticized for its potential to stifle creativity and innovation in higher education.
Another area of concern is the proposal to introduce a centralized evaluation system for students. The draft regulations suggest that all universities will have to conduct examinations and evaluations as per the UGC norms. This move has been criticized for its potential to compromise the academic integrity of institutions.
The convention also highlighted the concerns over the proposal to introduce a uniform grading system. The draft regulations suggest that all universities will have to adopt a uniform grading system, which would be based on the UGC norms. This move has been criticized for its potential to undermine the autonomy of institutions and stifle creativity and innovation.
The Kerala government has been at the forefront of opposing the Draft UGC Regulations. The government has argued that the regulations are an attempt by the Centre to undermine the autonomy of state universities and colleges. The government has also expressed concerns over the lack of consultation with state governments and the academic community during the drafting process.
The national convention opposing the Draft UGC Regulations has sent a strong message to the Centre that the academic community will not tolerate any attempts to erode their autonomy. The convention has also highlighted the need for a national discussion on the regulations and the need for the Centre to adopt a more consultative approach.
In conclusion, the national convention opposing the Draft UGC Regulations has been a significant event in the academic calendar. The convention has brought together experts, academics, and politicians to discuss the implications of the regulations and has sent a strong message to the Centre that the academic community will not tolerate any attempts to erode their autonomy. The Kerala government’s decision to host the convention has been hailed as a bold move to protect the autonomy of educational institutions and uphold the federal principles of the Constitution.
Source: https://thesouthfirst.com/kerala/kerala-hosts-national-convention-opposing-draft-ugc-regulations/
