Hyderabad: Academics have termed as a direct assault on university autonomy and the federal structure of governance, the draft regulations of University Grants Commission (UGC). The regulations, which redefine the appointment of vice chancellors and faculty recruitment, have been criticised for stripping state governments of their authority in higher education.The Telangana Education Commission (TEC) convened a seminar on Thursday, bringing together scholars, former vice-chancellors, and members of the Legislative Council to discuss the long-term consequences of the regulations. The seminar resulted in a unanimous resolution rejecting the UGC guidelines, asserting that they “strike at the very root of the federal structure of the Indian Constitution, since education is on the Concurrent List.”One of the most contentious proposals is the shift in the selection process for VCs. Previously, candidates required at least 10 years of experience as a professor in a university or an equivalent research institution. The new draft broadens eligibility, permitting “senior officers in industry, public administration, public policy, and public sector undertaking,”to be considered. Educationists argue that this undermines the fundamental role of VCs as academic leaders.“Opening the position of vice chancellors to individuals unfamiliar with academic institutions and the culture of free thought necessary for excellence will damage the future of these institutions,” stated Akunuri Murali, chairperson of the Telangana Education Commission.Prof K. Laxminarayana from UoH added, “They basically want to commercialise public universities.”The draft grants Governors, who act as representatives of the Centre, the authority to form the search-cum-selection committee for VCs. Previously, state governments played a decisive role in the process. The new structure allows nominees of the UGC and apex university bodies to have a say, effectively reducing state influence over public universities.”This is a blatant violation of existing university statutes. The state government, the executive councils, and even the universities themselves will have no say in who leads them. The Governor will decide, the UGC will nominate, and universities will be left to comply,” said Dr P.L. Vishweshwar Rao, educationist and commission member.The new draft also alters the hiring process for assistant professors, shifting control to a selection committee dominated by external appointees. The eligibility criteria for faculty positions have been restructured to prioritise UGC’s NET or PhD qualifications, disregarding subject specialisation. This, educationists argue, could lead to the hiring of candidates without necessary domain expertise.Additionally, the promotion process under the career advancement scheme (CAS) has been revised, introducing new bureaucratic barriers. The draft Clause 4.1 (iii) disqualifies assistant professors with over 10 years of experience from directly applying for professorships unless they serve as associate professors for at least three years. Academics say this creates artificial hierarchies and delays promotions, affecting faculty morale.The Telangana Education Commission’s resolution condemned the UGC’s overreach, stating that these changes amount to a systematic attempt to “centralise the system, undermining diversity.” The resolution urged the Government of Telangana to oppose the UGC Guidelines 2025, framing it as an issue of federalism and constitutional rights.Murali further stated that the UGC has “increasingly become intrusive in governance structures,” reducing its role as a funding and regulatory body and becoming a tool for “politically motivated interventions.” The commission also pointed out that similar concerns have been raised in states like Tamil Nadu and Kerala, where assemblies have passed resolutions against the guidelines.
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