Not in spirit of Constitution, part of communal agenda: Kerala Assembly resolution against UGC draft regulations

Some Opposition-ruled states have criticised the draft regulations. In Kerala, both CPI(M) and Congress had come out against it, saying it was part of a Sangh Parivar agenda in higher education. Last week, the Congress-led Opposition in Kerala demanded that the Assembly pass a resolution against the draft regulations.

The resolution on Tuesday was moved by CM Vijayan under Rule 118 of the Procedure and Conduct of Business. Opposition members suggested some amendments, but the resolution was passed without considering the suggestions.

Kerala is the first state in the country to pass a resolution against the UGC draft regulations.

In the resolution, Vijayan said the Assembly is of the view that the UGC draft is against federal principles and the democratic system. “It completely avoids the opinion of the state governments in the appointment of vice-chancellors and does not imbibe the spirit of the Constitution,” the resolution said.

The resolution was moved in the Assembly against the backdrop of concerns raised by various state governments and academics, the CM said, calling the draft regulations a move to commercialise the higher education sector.

The changing rules can be seen as an attempt to bring higher education into the clutches of those who propagate religious and communal ideas, the resolution said.

“Around 80 per cent of the money for the functioning of universities and other higher educational institutions is spent by state governments. State governments have a major role to play in maintaining and improving the quality of universities. The Kerala Assembly is of the view that the approach of the Central government and the UGC is to completely keep away the state governments from appointments including those of VCs. This is undemocratic and needs to be corrected,” the resolution said.