Proposed UGC guidelines undermine autonomy of state-run universities: KTR

Hyderabad: BRS working president KT Rama Rao criticised the Central government for allegedly trying to infringe upon the autonomy of state-run universities with the proposed changes to the University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations.

KTR stressed that placing state universities entirely under the control of governors violates the spirit of federalism and weakens the democratic structure of the country.

KTR and his team of party leaders and public representatives raised these issues in a meeting with Union ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Nitin Gadkari in Delhi on Thursday.

Following the meetings, KTR addressed the media, providing a detailed account of the discussions and the party’s stance on critical issues.

‘Diversity among Indian universities fosters excellence’

KTR stated that the party had submitted a formal letter to the Central government outlining its views on the proposed changes to UGC regulations. He emphasised that the primary reason Indian citizens are successfully showcasing their skills globally is the strong foundation provided by the country’s universities. This success, he noted, is largely due to the research and innovation fostered within these institutions.

Highlighting the diversity of India’s educational ecosystem, KTR pointed out that the country has a broad spectrum of institutions, including Central and State Government universities, private educational institutions, and Centres of Excellence like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). The BRS party conveyed its concerns regarding the proposed amendments to UGC regulations to minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

‘Proposed changes are a violation of democratic principles’

KTR alleged that the Central government’s proposed changes to UGC regulations undermine state rights and violate democratic principles, with the conclusion being reached after discussions with experts from the education sector.

“The plan to give full authority to state governors for appointing vice-chancellors through search committees directly interferes with the jurisdiction of the states” he said and criticized the move as an overreach by the Central government, infringing upon the autonomy of state-run universities.

‘Changes have clauses to bypass reservation guidelines’

The BRS party also raised serious concerns about the introduction of a ‘No Suitable Candidate Found’ clause in the recruitment process.

KTR warned that the clause could be exploited to bypass the reservation policies for SC, ST and BC communities, allowing positions to be filled with candidates from other categories under the pretext of unavailability.

He stressed that such practices would directly violate the constitutional rights granted to marginalised communities and undermine social justice.

‘Recruitments should also focus on contributions to research and innovation’

Furthermore, KTR stated that the party recommended university recruitments prioritise not just academic qualifications but also significant contributions to research and innovation.

The BRS party submitted a comprehensive six-page appeal to the Central government, urging the UGC to draft new regulations that do not infringe upon state autonomy or the rights of educational institutions within the states.

BRS requests extension for NH 365B

Later in the day, KTR and party leaders met Union minister Nitin Gadkari.

At the request of Korutla MLA Dr Sanjay, the party appealed for the extension of National Highway 365B from Vemulawada to Korutla.

Additionally, they requested the construction of a road-cum-rail bridge over Mid Manair Reservoir, connecting National Highway 63 through Vemulawada to Korutla. KTR stressed the importance of these infrastructure projects for improving regional connectivity and boosting economic development in the region.

KTR also mentioned that the party would follow up on the legal case filed against MLAs who defected to other parties. He announced that the party leadership would meet with legal experts to ensure that appropriate disqualification procedures are enforced against these legislators. KTR affirmed the party’s commitment to pursuing legal action in court to hold these defectors accountable, ensuring that the anti-defection law is upheld.

‘Bypolls in Telangana soon’

Addressing speculation about the political climate in the state, KTR remarked that the people of Telangana are expecting by-elections soon. He confidently stated that by-elections will indeed take place, reflecting the growing demand for political accountability and integrity in the state.

KTR concluded by reaffirming BRS’s dedication to protecting state rights, upholding democratic values, and ensuring that constitutional principles are respected at all levels of governance.