Context:
- UGC’s recent directive on the appointment procedure of vice-chancellors (VCs) has faced resistance from states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
- States argue that the directive infringes on their constitutional prerogatives and promotes central overreach through Governor-appointed VCs.
Relevance :GS 2(Education , Governance , Polity)
Key Points of Contention:
- Federalism Concerns:
- States fund and establish universities, asserting that elected state governments should have the final say.
- The increasing role of Governors (appointed by the Centre) in appointing VCs is seen as undermining state autonomy.
- UGC’s New Qualification Norms for VCs:
- Rescinds the requirement for VCs to be solely from academic backgrounds.
- Opens eligibility to distinguished individuals from fields like industry, politics, and journalism.
- Global and Indian Examples:
- International: Oxford, Cambridge, and U.S. universities often appoint non-academics as heads.
- India: G. Parthasarathy’s successful tenure as JNU’s first VC.
Critique of the UGC’s Broader Role:
- Deviation from Core Mandate:
- Established in 1956 to maintain higher education standards but focuses more on uniform regulations than quality improvement.
- Persistent concerns over the poor quality of graduates, as highlighted by judiciary and industry leaders.
- Overemphasis on Procedural Controls:
- Excessive regulation on attendance, faculty hours, record-keeping, and curriculum decisions.
- Resembles colonial-era surveillance practices, limiting institutional autonomy and faculty agency.
- Result: Faculty disengagement and decline in accountability for learning outcomes.
- Impact on Higher Education Quality:
- Despite economic growth, public universities have declined in global stature.
- India lags in research and innovation, with little presence in global knowledge production (e.g., AI advancements like China’s DeepSeek).
Broader Implications:
- Micro-management and Political Interference:
- High compliance burdens and politicization hinder academic excellence and research output.
- Need for Structural Reforms:
- UGC should shift focus from procedural oversight to elevating teaching quality, research, and global competitiveness.
Conclusion:
- While expanding eligibility for VCs is a progressive step, the UGC’s overarching micro-management stifles innovation and institutional growth.
- Strengthening autonomy, reducing political interference, and prioritizing educational excellence are key to reviving India’s higher education system
