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Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin criticized UGC draft regulations and vowed to continue the legal fight for state rights over education.
MK Stalin has termed the UGC’s draft regulations an assault on the idea of federalism. (Image credit/PTI)
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin reiterated his determination to assert the state’s rights over education, confirming that the legal fight against the Union government will persist. He criticized the University Grants Commission (UGC) draft regulations for minimum qualifications for the appointment and promotion of teachers and academic staff in universities and colleges.
Speaking at an event in Karaikudi, Sivaganga district, Stalin raised concerns about the involvement of Union-appointed Chancellors in state universities. He also emphasized Tamil Nadu’s significant contributions to education policy, infrastructure, and faculty salaries.
“It is the state that drafts policies, funds infrastructure, and pays salaries. Why should the position of Chancellor be held by someone appointed by the Union Government? Until we reclaim the state’s rights in education, we will not stop our fight,” Stalin said.
On Monday, Stalin called on the Chief Ministers of the INDIA Bloc states to pass a resolution against the UGC draft regulation claiming that it infringes on the rights of state governments. In a letter, Stalin alleged the guidelines’ restrictive measures, particularly those that limit the role of state governments in appointing Vice-Chancellors and in regulating admission procedures, including the introduction of entrance exams for undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Stalin claimed that these guidelines threatened the autonomy of universities and encroached upon the federal structure of the country.
To defend federalism and safeguard our educational autonomy, I have urged Hon’ble @dpradhanbjp to immediately withdraw the UGC’s draft regulations that trample on State rights.I have also requested Non-BJP State CMs to join forces with Tamil Nadu and pass Assembly resolutions… pic.twitter.com/puPxl2dcPp
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) January 20, 2025
The Tamil Nadu assembly passed a resolution opposing the UGC draft regulations earlier this year. Stalin in the assembly had said that the UGC’s draft regulations were an assault on the idea of federalism and they affected Tamil Nadu’s higher education system.
AIADMK spokesperson Kovai Sathyan criticized Stalin’s call for a united opposition, dismissing it as a diversionary tactic. He remarked, “MK Stalin urging other state chief ministers to pass resolutions against the new UGC rules highlights his incompetence.”
He further added, “Instead of exploring legal options, MK Stalin is attempting to turn this into a national movement, which clearly reflects his political agenda rather than the welfare of the people. His unfulfilled promises to abolish NEET have left the public disappointed, and now he seeks to turn this issue into a national campaign.”
Senior BJP leader Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan also accused the Tamil Nadu government of politicizing education. “Tamil Nadu is turning every issue into a controversy. The NEET and NEP were ignored, and now the UGC regulations are being opposed. They even appointed a political ally as Vice-Chancellor. Such political appointments should be avoided,” Tamilisai stated.
