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Wed, January 8, 2025
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Trumping the issues

UGC draft on VC appointments sparks federalism debate in Tamil Nadu


Published on 2025-01-08 02:40:56 - MSN
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  • Tamil Nadu government has strongly opposed the step taken by the central government to allow governors the authority to appoint Vice Chancellors and other non-academic members.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has introduced draft guidelines for the appointment of vice-chancellors in state universities, which has ignited a debate on federalism in Tamil Nadu. The guidelines suggest the inclusion of a nominee from the UGC chairman in the search-cum-selection committees, a move seen by some state officials and academics as an overreach into state autonomy. Critics argue that this could undermine the state's authority over its educational institutions, potentially leading to central control over state universities. Tamil Nadu's Higher Education Minister K. Ponmudy has voiced concerns, emphasizing that education is a state subject under the Indian Constitution, and any such guidelines should respect state rights. This has led to discussions on the balance of power between the central government and states, with fears that the UGC's move might set a precedent for further centralization of educational governance.

Read the Full MSN Article at:
[ https://www.msn.com/en-in/politics/government/ugc-draft-on-vc-appointments-sparks-federalism-debate-in-tamil-nadu/ar-AA1x9gcm ]
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