Lok Sabha Question No. 2698 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-17
Subject: New UGC Draft Regulations
Ministry: EDUCATION
Asked by: Ms. Praniti Sushilkumar Shinde

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-2698

ANSWERED ON- 17/03/2025

## New UGC Draft Regulations

## 2698. Ms. Praniti Sushilkumar Shinde:

Will the Minister of Education be pleased to state:

- (a)  the  manner in which the new draft guidelines align with global trends in higher education, particularly regarding the inclusion of non-academic professionals in vicechancellor roles;
- (b) whether the University Grants Commission (UGC) has conducted comprehensive consultations  with  all  stakeholders,  including  State  Governments  and  academic institutions,  to  assess  the  impact  of  the  draft  regulations  on  the  autonomy  and functioning of State Universities and if so, the outcomes of these consultations; and
- (c) the details of the steps being taken by the Government to address the concerns of  State  Governments  and  educational  bodies  regarding  the  potential  erosion  of federal principles due to the new UGC draft regulations?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION (DR. SUKANTA MAJUMDAR)

- (a):  The  National  Education  Policy  2020  provides  that  all  leadership  positions  and Heads of institutions will be offered to persons with high academic qualifications and demonstrated  administrative  and  leadership  capabilities  along  with  abilities to manage  complex  situations.  Leaders  of  a  Higher  Education  Institution  (HEI)  will demonstrate strong alignment to Constitutional values and the overall vision of the institution,  along  with  attributes  such  as  a  strong  social  commitment,  belief  in teamwork, pluralism, ability to work with diverse people, and a positive outlook.

The draft University Grants Commission (UGC) (Minimum Qualifications for Appointment  and  Promotion  of  Teachers  and  Academic  Staff  in  Universities  and Colleges  and  measures  for  the  Maintenance  of  Standards  in  Higher  Education) Regulations  2025  have  been  developed  with  a  view  to  support  the  vision  of transforming higher education in India to meet global standards. Prioritizing research in  higher  education by  introducing  four-year  undergraduate  programmes,  research project in undergraduate programmes, strengthening research component in postgraduate  programmes,  research  internships,  etc.,  are  all  aimed  at  ensuring higher education in the country aligns with global trends. It also proposes that only the most distinguished individuals with exceptional academic, research, and administrative credentials are eligible for the role of Vice Chancellor. Expanding the pool of potential candidates for the post of Vice-Chancellor will enhance academic standards  by  bringing  in  diverse  expertise,  leadership  excellence,  and  a  broader vision for higher education.

The Search-cum-Selection Committee for appointment of Vice Chancellor consists of eminent experts, including former Vice-Chancellors and Directors of leading institutions, ensuring only the most qualified individuals are shortlisted.

The  selection  process  remains  merit-driven,  with  candidates  assessed  on  their scholarly achievements, leadership qualities, administrative capabilities, and contributions to higher education reform.

(b): As part of consultation process, the UGC uploaded the draft UGC Regulations 2025  in  the  public  domain  on  06.01.2025  for  feedbacks,  suggestions  and  wider consultations.  UGC  had  received  more  than  15,000  suggestions,  so  far.  These feedbacks are at various stages of analyses and deliberations.

(c):  The  UGC Draft Regulations 2025 strongly uphold and reinforce India's federal structure by balancing national standards and state autonomy in higher education. These Regulations are designed to ensure academic excellence while respecting the diverse  educational frameworks of  different  states.  These  regulations  propose  a  3 member  Search-cum-selection  Committee  for  appointment of Vice-Chancellor. These  members  are  to  be  nominated  by  impartial  Statutory  Bodies  to  ensure transparency in selection process as well as to ensure autonomy of the University. The  responses to draft Regulations are at various stages of analysis and deliberations, as already stated above.

- *****