Karnataka Minister for Higher Education, M C Sudhakar, has expressed strong opposition to the recently released draft UGC Regulations, 2025, in a letter to Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan. The University Grants Commission (UGC) sought public consultation on its draft regulations concerning the minimum qualifications for the appointment and promotion of university and college staff, as well as measures to maintain standards in higher education.

In his letter, dated January 13, Sudhakar voiced concerns over specific provisions related to the appointment of Vice-Chancellors. He argued that these provisions undermine the authority of the state government and could destabilize the higher education system. The draft regulations propose that a search-cum-selection committee, appointed by the Chancellor or Visitor, would have no state government representation, with the power to appoint the Vice-Chancellor solely in the hands of the Visitor or Chancellor.

Sudhakar also raised concerns about the qualifications for Vice-Chancellor appointments, including the possibility of appointing non-academicians, which he believes requires further discussion. He warned that any appointment made outside these new guidelines would be deemed invalid, a move he claims contradicts existing state university legislations.

Emphasizing Karnataka’s pivotal role in advancing higher education, Sudhakar pointed out that the state’s higher education enrollment ratio surpasses the national average, with the government providing substantial funds for the operation of public universities. He urged the UGC to engage in a thorough dialogue with state governments before implementing any significant changes to the guidelines.

Sudhakar has called on Pradhan to instruct the UGC to withdraw the draft guidelines and initiate a more comprehensive consultation process with state governments.