UGC Extends Deadline for Feedback on Recruitment and Promotion Draft Regulations

UGC Extends Deadline for Feedback on Recruitment and Promotion Draft Regulations

Deadline Extended to February 28

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has extended the deadline for stakeholders to submit feedback on the draft regulations for recruitment and promotion in higher education institutions. Initially, the deadline was set for February 5, but after multiple requests, the UGC has now extended it to February 28. UGC Secretary Manish Joshi confirmed the extension, stating that the UGC received numerous requests from stakeholders for more time to review and respond to the proposed UGC regulations.

UGC Released Draft in January

Last month, the UGC introduced the UGC Regulations, 2025, aimed at revising the existing 2018 guidelines. The proposed regulations outline minimum qualifications for teachers and academic staff in universities and colleges. The UGC has stated that the new regulations will ensure higher standards in higher education institutions across India.

Industry Professionals May Become Vice Chancellors

One of the most significant changes in the UGC draft regulations is the provision allowing industry experts and senior professionals from public administration, public policy, and public sector enterprises to be eligible for Vice Chancellor positions. The new UGC guidelines also propose that Vice Chancellors be given the authority to form a three-member search-cum-selection committee for appointments.

Political Opposition Against UGC Draft Regulations

The UGC draft regulations have sparked political controversy. Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, criticized the UGC proposal, alleging that it aligns with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s (RSS) agenda to impose a singular ideology, history, and language across the country. He joined a protest organized by DMK’s student wing at Jantar Mantar, opposing the UGC regulations.

Rahul Gandhi argued that the UGC draft aims to erase diverse histories and cultures, accusing the RSS of trying to centralize education policies at the expense of regional identities. “Every state has its own unique traditions, history, and language. That is why our Constitution calls India a union of states. We reject the RSS’s vision for the nation and oppose their attempt to impose a singular ideology through UGC regulations,” he said.

Akhilesh Yadav Opposes New Education Policy

Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav also criticized the UGC draft regulations, claiming that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and RSS are trying to concentrate power at the center. He alleged that the new UGC guidelines, along with the National Education Policy (NEP), are designed to weaken state governments’ authority over education.

Six Non-BJP States Demand UGC Regulations Be Withdrawn

At a recent meeting of higher education ministers from non-BJP-ruled states, leaders from Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Jharkhand, among others, expressed concerns over the UGC draft regulations. These states have demanded an immediate rollback of the proposed UGC guidelines, citing issues related to autonomy and governance in higher education institutions.

UGC Defends Draft Regulations

Amid growing criticism, UGC Chairman M. Jagadesh Kumar defended the proposed UGC regulations, stating that the objective is to introduce a more inclusive and transparent selection process for academic positions. He assured that the UGC remains committed to maintaining the autonomy and accountability of higher education institutions.

With the new deadline now set for February 28, stakeholders have additional time to submit their responses to the UGC draft regulations. The outcome of these deliberations will play a crucial role in shaping the future of university recruitment and promotion policies under the UGC framework.