"Violation of federal structure": KTR Rao on UGC rules

New Delhi [India], February 6 (ANI): Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president KT Rama Rao on Thursday raised strong objections against changes recommended in the University Grants Commission (UGC) rules.
After meeting with Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Rao said that the UGC rules were in violation of the federal structure and "snatched" the rights of democratic rights of the states.
"We met Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in Delhi. We have raised objections to the changes in UGC rules. In violation of the federal structure, there are provisions that snatch away the democratic rights of states...We have suggested that there should be transparency in the appointment of Vice Chancellors," Rao told reporters.
He further pointed out that the category of 'No suitable candidate found' was "unjust" to those who are categorised under reserved categories.
"Through a 'No Suitable Candidate Found' category, they are trying to do injustice to SC, ST and other reserved categories. We have presented our points to the UGC too," Rao added.
Earlier on Thursday, UGC extended the deadline for submitting feedback on the Draft UGC Regulations of 2025 to February 28, which focuses on minimum qualification for appointment and promotion of teachers and academic staff in universities and colleges.
The Draft UGC Regulations, which also focuses on measures for the maintenance of standards in higher education, were uploaded on January 6, requesting feedback from stakeholders connected with academic institutions. The original date to receive feedback was February 5.
"In view of requests received from stakeholders to extend the last date to submit feedback on the draft UGC Regulations 2025, UGC has now decided to extend the last date to February 28, 2025. Stakeholders can submit feedback on the draft regulations till 28/02/2025," the notice signed by UGC Secretary Manish R Joshi read. (ANI)