The University Grants Commission (UGC) has introduced new draft regulations on the appointment and promotion of faculty and Vice Chancellors in universities. Several states, including Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka, have raised objections, citing concerns over autonomy and governance.
Key Changes in UGC’s Draft Regulations
The draft introduces major modifications to the 2018 guidelines, including:
– Faculty recruitment at the national level based on merit through centralised advertisements.
– PhD holders can apply for faculty positions in their research specialisation, even if different from their undergraduate or postgraduate degree.
– Candidates with a four-year degree and postgraduate qualification in one subject but NET/SET qualification in another would be eligible for recruitment in the latter.
– Modifications in the appointment process of Vice Chancellors, sparking opposition from states.
Vice Chancellor Appointments: A Point of Conflict
The draft proposes:
– A minimum of ten years’ senior academic or administrative experience for Vice Chancellors.
– Selection through public advertisement or nomination via a search-and-selection committee.
– A three-member search committee appointed by the Governor, who serves as the Chancellor of state universities.
– The Governor’s authority to appoint the Vice Chancellor based on committee recommendations.
– A five-year tenure, extendable until the age of 70.
This shift of authority from state governments to Governors has intensified opposition, with states arguing for greater control over university administration.
State Governments Push Back
Several states have already acted to limit the Governor’s role in university governance:
– Tamil Nadu and West Bengal have passed bills removing Governors as Chancellors.
– Karnataka has appointed the Chief Minister as Chancellor for certain universities.
– Kerala has proposed replacing the Governor with academic experts as Chancellors.
Concerns Over Faculty Promotions
The draft also revises faculty promotion criteria:
– Reducing the service period for Assistant Professors’ promotion from five to three years.
– Lowering research publication requirements from five to three papers.
– Introducing relaxations in journal publication requirements, raising concerns over academic standards.
Call for a Balanced Approach
Experts stress that while standardisation is crucial, the UGC must consider the structural differences among universities. They advocate for state autonomy in governance while maintaining quality standards in faculty recruitment and promotions. The ongoing debate is likely to intensify as states demand changes to the draft regulations.
(With inputs from BBC Telugu)
