Telangana to oppose UGC draft on appointment of Vice Chancellors

As Telangana Governor is chancellor of the State universities, the government is worried it might lose authority to appoint VCs

Hyderabad: Telangana is set to join other non-BJP ruled States in opposing the draft University Grants Commission (UGC) Regulations 2025, particularly with regards to proposed norms of the appointment of Vice Chancellors.

Apprehensions are expressed on the proposed norms related to minimum qualifications and appointment and related issues, taking away universities from State control to the Central government.

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Presently, for appointment of the Vice Chancellors, the State government constitutes a search committee comprising nominees from government, university concerned and UGC. The proposed norms replace the government nominee with the Chancellor/visitor nominee, who will be chairperson of the committee.

As Telangana Governor is also chancellor of the State universities, the government is worried it might lose authority to appoint VCs.

Further, the draft provisions open up VC positions for non-academic backgrounds including from research organisations, industry, public administration, public policy and/or public sector undertakings.

“We are opposing the VC appointment provisions. We have constituted an expert committee to study the draft and will shortly give our views,” said Prof. V Balakista Reddy, Chairman TGCHE.

Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka have already expressed their opposition regarding the UGC draft.