New Delhi, Feb 4 (PTI) – Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan addressed concerns raised by CPI(M) leader John Brittas in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday regarding the draft UGC (University Grants Commission) guidelines for the appointment of vice-chancellors (VCs). Pradhan clarified that the intention behind the new norms is to prevent favoritism in VC appointments, particularly when individuals with personal connections to powerful figures are chosen for these positions.
During the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President's address, Brittas accused the central government of attempting to "hijack" state-run universities by centralizing control through the proposed guidelines. He specifically pointed out that the new rules would grant governors significant authority in appointing vice-chancellors, a move he claimed undermined the autonomy of state universities.
In response, Pradhan strongly emphasized that the draft guidelines, which are open for public feedback, aim to end practices where VC positions were allegedly being filled by personal aides, their spouses, or assistants. "In some states, VC posts are given to personal aides’ wives and assistants. Such practices should stop," Pradhan remarked, during his intervention in the debate.
Pradhan also reassured the Rajya Sabha that the UGC, as an autonomous body, is committed to transparency. He extended an invitation to Brittas to provide feedback on the draft guidelines, which are still in the consultation phase. Brittas, in turn, acknowledged that the guidelines are not final and can be amended based on feedback.
Beyond the VC issue, Brittas also raised concerns about alleged systemic discrimination against minority communities, citing what he claimed were "834 incidents" of attacks on Christians in 2024. The Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Harivansh Narayan Singh, asked Brittas to substantiate the figures he cited.
Further, Brittas criticized certain remarks and actions from public figures, including a controversial statement by a Kerala minister suggesting that a Brahmin should head tribal affairs, and comments attributed to an IIT Director regarding cow urine consumption. Brittas expressed his concerns over what he described as the growing divisive political agenda in India, urging the need to protect the country from such forces.
As the debate unfolded, the tension between maintaining university autonomy and the government's increasing influence over academic institutions remained a key point of contention.
During the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President's address, Brittas accused the central government of attempting to "hijack" state-run universities by centralizing control through the proposed guidelines. He specifically pointed out that the new rules would grant governors significant authority in appointing vice-chancellors, a move he claimed undermined the autonomy of state universities.
In response, Pradhan strongly emphasized that the draft guidelines, which are open for public feedback, aim to end practices where VC positions were allegedly being filled by personal aides, their spouses, or assistants. "In some states, VC posts are given to personal aides’ wives and assistants. Such practices should stop," Pradhan remarked, during his intervention in the debate.
Pradhan also reassured the Rajya Sabha that the UGC, as an autonomous body, is committed to transparency. He extended an invitation to Brittas to provide feedback on the draft guidelines, which are still in the consultation phase. Brittas, in turn, acknowledged that the guidelines are not final and can be amended based on feedback.
Beyond the VC issue, Brittas also raised concerns about alleged systemic discrimination against minority communities, citing what he claimed were "834 incidents" of attacks on Christians in 2024. The Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Harivansh Narayan Singh, asked Brittas to substantiate the figures he cited.
Further, Brittas criticized certain remarks and actions from public figures, including a controversial statement by a Kerala minister suggesting that a Brahmin should head tribal affairs, and comments attributed to an IIT Director regarding cow urine consumption. Brittas expressed his concerns over what he described as the growing divisive political agenda in India, urging the need to protect the country from such forces.
As the debate unfolded, the tension between maintaining university autonomy and the government's increasing influence over academic institutions remained a key point of contention.