UGC draft norms on VCs against spirit of federalism: Sukhbir Badal

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal today said the University Grants Commission (UGC) draft regulations on the appointment of vice-chancellors were against the spirit of federalism and aimed at usurping the rights of the states and handing over these to the Central government.

Asserting that the draft regulations tantamount to nationalising Indian universities, he said, “This seeks to usurp the powers of the states that founded these universities out of their funds and are running these utilising their own resources.”

“It seems the states, which are the main stakeholders, have not been consulted while framing the draft regulations. Instead of giving increased autonomy to the states, the Centre has chosen to take away the control of the universities and vest it with the UGC,” he added.