BENGALURU: Karnataka Home Minister Dr. G Parameshwara has raised concerns over the growing influence of the University Grants Commission (UGC) in shaping education policies at all levels. Speaking at the Higher Education Ministers’ Conclave, Parameshwara stated that the new UGC Draft Regulations 2025 contradict the core principles of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which aimed to promote regional languages and cultures.
The conclave saw participation from ministers of six states, including Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Jharkhand, who collectively voiced their opposition to the draft regulations. Parameshwara questioned why states were not granted the autonomy to develop education policies that align with their regional priorities and cultural contexts.
Ministers Call for Review of UGC Draft Regulations
Parameshwara emphasized the need for a balanced approach that respects both national objectives and state interests. “Karnataka has always been a leader in higher education and has worked collaboratively with the UGC. While we do not oppose a national perspective, the proposed changes must not erode state autonomy or create conflicts between central and state governments,” he said.
He further stated that while Karnataka remains open to discussions on necessary amendments, state concerns must be considered before imposing any new policies.
Karnataka’s Higher Education Minister Dr. MC Sudhakar highlighted key concerns regarding the autonomy of state universities. He pointed out that the draft regulations could reduce state governments’ role in selecting vice-chancellors, thereby undermining their authority in higher education governance.
Southern States Demand Policy Revisions
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar described NEP 2020 as a flawed policy and emphasized the contributions of southern states to global education. “Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad have consistently produced world-class education leaders. No region matches the excellence of the southern states in education. We must protect this legacy and advocate for necessary changes to NEP,” he said.
Tamil Nadu Higher Education Minister Govi Chezhian also raised concerns about the lack of alignment between academic programs and industry requirements. Criticizing the UGC, he stated that if India aims to compete with global universities, the focus should be on academic excellence rather than administrative regulations.
Ministers from Kerala and Himachal Pradesh stressed that education today is more than just classroom learning; it has become a significant contributor to economic growth. They called for a thorough review of the draft regulations to ensure they support both academic progress and regional priorities.
The collective opposition from multiple states highlights growing concerns over the centralization of education policies and the potential impact on state autonomy in shaping their education systems.
