The All India Students’ Federation (AISF) has launched a strong protest against the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) draft regulations for 2024-2025, demanding their immediate withdrawal. The student body has raised serious concerns, claiming that the proposed guidelines threaten university autonomy, centralize power, and diminish the role of students and faculty in decision-making processes.

UGC’s New Draft Regulations: What’s Changing?

The UGC released its draft regulations in January 2025, proposing changes to the 2018 guidelines that govern faculty appointments and academic standards in higher education institutions. According to the Union Ministry of Education, these new rules aim to provide universities with greater flexibility in hiring and promotions. However, student groups and state governments—especially those outside BJP rule—have strongly opposed the proposed changes.

Key Controversies Surrounding the Draft Regulations

1. Increased Centralization of Power
   • The regulations propose a greater role for centrally-appointed governors in selecting and appointing university vice-chancellors.
   • Critics argue this move undermines the autonomy of state-run institutions, allowing the central government to exert greater control over higher education.
2. Reduced Role of Academic Bodies, Faculty, and Students
   • AISF leaders claim the new regulations sideline faculty members, student bodies, and academic councils.
   • The shift from participatory governance to bureaucratic control is seen as a threat to democratic decision-making in universities.
3. UGC’s Expanding Authority Beyond Its Mandate
   • AISF alleges that the UGC, originally an advisory body, is being given excessive power to withhold grants and impose penalties on universities.
   • Education is a concurrent subject in India, meaning both state and central governments have jurisdiction. The AISF argues that unilateral decision-making by the UGC weakens the role of state governments in regulating higher education institutions.

AISF’s Protest and Demand for Withdrawal

On Monday, AISF staged a protest march to the UGC Bhawan in Delhi, demanding an immediate rollback of the proposed regulations. The demonstration was led by AISF national president Viraaj Devang and general secretary Dinesh Seerangaraj. Alongside AISF, members of the All India Youth Federation (AIYF) also joined the protest.

During the protest, AISF representatives met with UGC Joint Secretary N Gopukumar and submitted a memorandum outlining their concerns. The student organization reiterated its stance that the draft regulations violate constitutional principles and could have long-term consequences on higher education governance.

Growing Opposition Across India

The debate over the draft UGC regulations is intensifying, with opposition coming from multiple quarters:

• State Governments: Non-BJP-ruled states argue that the regulations infringe upon their rights and centralize control over state universities.
• Faculty and Academic Institutions: Many faculty members believe the new rules will weaken academic freedom and reduce their involvement in policymaking.
• Student Bodies: Apart from AISF, other student organizations are also planning protests against what they describe as “anti-democratic measures” by the central government.

What’s Next? A Call for Nationwide Resistance

AISF has categorically rejected the draft UGC regulations and called for a nationwide movement to resist the proposed changes. The student body has warned that if the regulations are not withdrawn, protests will escalate across the country.

“The fight is not just about policy; it’s about preserving the fundamental values of higher education in India,” the AISF statement said. “We urge all students, faculty members, and institutions to stand against these undemocratic measures.”

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Conclusion

The UGC’s proposed guidelines for 2024-2025 have sparked a heated debate over university autonomy, centralization, and academic freedom. While the government claims that the regulations will improve flexibility in higher education, student bodies like AISF see them as a threat to democracy and participatory governance. As opposition continues to grow, the coming weeks are likely to witness intensified protests and discussions on the future of India’s higher education system.

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