AISF Protests Against UGC Guidelines, Calls for Immediate Withdrawal
The All India Students’ Federation (AISF) staged a protest march to the University Grants Commission (UGC) Bhawan on Monday, demanding the immediate withdrawal of the draft UGC regulations for 2024 and 2025. Led by AISF national president Viraaj Devang and general secretary Dinesh Seerangaraj, the student organization criticized the proposed rules as unconstitutional and an infringement on university autonomy.
The draft regulations, introduced in January, aim to replace the 2018 UGC guidelines on faculty qualifications and academic standards. While the Union Ministry of Education claims that the changes will provide universities with more flexibility in recruitment and promotions, critics argue that the reforms consolidate central control over higher education institutions, particularly in non-BJP-ruled states.
Concerns Over University Autonomy
A key point of contention is the expanded role of centrally appointed governors in selecting and appointing vice-chancellors. AISF leaders argue that this move undermines the independence of state-run universities and limits democratic decision-making in higher education governance.
The student organization also highlighted concerns about the UGC’s increased authority, stating that its role as an advisory body is being extended beyond its mandate. The AISF warned that the new regulations grant the UGC the power to withhold grants and impose penalties on institutions, thereby weakening state governments’ ability to regulate their universities.
Memorandum Submitted to UGC
During the protest, AISF representatives, along with members of the All India Youth Federation (AIYF), submitted a memorandum to UGC Joint Secretary N. Gopukumar, urging the commission to withdraw the proposed regulations. The memorandum emphasized that education falls under the concurrent list, and unilateral decisions by the UGC could significantly impact state autonomy.
AISF leaders asserted that the new guidelines would diminish the influence of faculty members, students, and academic bodies in university policymaking. They argued that the draft rules replace participatory governance with bureaucratic control, violating democratic principles.
Call for Nationwide Resistance
The AISF has firmly rejected the draft UGC regulations and has called for nationwide resistance against the proposed changes. The student body warned that protests would escalate if the regulations are not withdrawn, urging students, faculty members, and academic institutions to unite in opposition.
“The fight is not just about policy; it’s about preserving the fundamental values of higher education in India,” the AISF stated.
With opposition from student organizations and state governments growing, the debate over the draft UGC regulations is expected to intensify in the coming weeks.
