UGC Draft Merits Debate

Under the new regulations, a student with a background in economics or history could potentially teach English literature at the college level, as performance in the competitive test will be the determining factor

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has published draft regulations on its website to govern appointments and promotions in universities and colleges across the country. Stakeholders have been asked to submit their views by February 5. A cursory reading suggests that higher education in the country may undergo drastic changes once the regulations come into force. Among the most significant provisions is granting overriding powers to the Chancellor, who is invariably the governor of the respective state. It must be acknowledged that the governor is essentially a nominee of the Central government, with no specific qualifications mentioned for the post.