M K Stalin asks Opposition-ruled states to pass resolutions against UGC rules

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Monday said the draft regulations released by the University Grants Commission (UGC) pose “serious challenges” to the academic integrity, autonomy, and inclusive development of state-funded universities, and demanded immediate withdrawal of the draft bills under discussion and review the concerns of state governments.

Stalin also wrote to Chief Ministers of Opposition-ruled states, including Karnataka, asking them to consider passing a resolution in their respective state assemblies on the lines of Tamil Nadu and stand united against attempts by the BJP government to “centralize power and undermine the federal structure of our country.”

The Tamil Nadu Assembly had on January 9 passed a resolution against the UGC draft regulations terming it as an attempt to “usurp” state universities.

In a detailed letter to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday, Stalin said several provisions in the draft regulations conflict with Tamil Nadu’s educational system and policies.

Opposing the conduct of entrance exams for UG courses, the Chief Minister said the academic competence of the students is already properly and systematically assessed through robust exit exams by state and national boards.

Tamil Nadu abolished entrance exams in 2006 and since then students have been admitted to professional courses based on their plus-two marks. The state government has been opposed to NEET maintaining that entrance exams for admission are unnecessary and burdensome.

If entrance exams are made mandatory, schools may shift focus to coaching for entrance exams, undermining the core purpose of school education, Stalin said, adding that Tamil Nadu’s high GER of 47% is a testament to its educational system.

“Entrance exams would certainly reduce access for disadvantaged students. A single entrance exam for the entire country is impractical given the varying educational levels and systems in the country and it also undermines federalism by State autonomy,” he added.

The Chief Minister termed as “disquiet” the proposal to allow students with a 4-year undergraduate (Arts/Science) degree to pursue M. Tech. or M.E.

“Without a solid foundation in basic engineering principles, students may struggle in postgraduate courses, and the relevance of such programs needs careful re-examination,” he said, and opposed the Multiple Entry and Multiple Exit (MEME) system which he argued will legitimize dropouts and undermine efforts to increase higher education enrolment.

On the appointment of non-academicians as Vice-Chancellors, Stalin said Tamil Nadu apprehended that the proposed criteria may lead to the appointment of individuals who lack the necessary academic and administrative experience to lead universities effectively.

Contending that state governments have invested in the infrastructure of state Universities, Stalin said, their participation in the selection process of the Vice-Chancellors is critical to ensuring that the genuine aspirations of the State, local educational needs, policies, and affirmative action measures.

“We therefore request that the Ministry of Education may withdraw the draft Bills under discussion and review these concerns to better align with the needs of the diverse higher education landscape in India,” Stalin added.