Dhankhar asserted, “Governance in a democracy must be undertaken solely by the executive. The executive branch is accountable to Parliament and the electorate. How can executive governance be carried out by any other entity?”He argued, “Because the people elect the executive to govern the nation, attention must also be given to this matter. This extends beyond your ministry. However, we cannot have executive governance occurring outside of the government. The government is ultimate”.In response to supplementary questions, Pradhan stated that funds had been allocated for broadband connectivity in the 2025-26 Budget to enhance digital access, which aligns with the priorities outlined in the National Education Policy.Addressing concerns over the draft UGC guidelines, CPI(M) leader John Brittas also raised objections to the overriding powers granted to Governors in the search and selection committees and the lack of job security for contractual academic staff.In response, Pradhan cited instances where “influential persons from Chief Ministers’ offices were appointing their wives and cronies as Vice-Chancellors and lecturers”.The minister also underscored the Modi government’s commitment to social justice, highlighting that before 2018, no regulations ensured constitutional protection for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) in theappointments of assistant and associate professors. “For the first time, Prime Minister Modi enacted a visionary bill and regulations. There cannot be a category of ‘not found suitable candidate’,” he said.
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