Dr. K. Veeramani
President, Dravidar Kazhagam
Having grabbed the Union Government, the rulers have been misusing their powers adhering to the principles of the R.S.S. Sang Parivar. It has been like a replica of the Manu Dharma governance. The Union Government has been gradually tightening its grip like an Octopus through its foul moves. The prime educational rights granted by the Constitution are being strategically seized. Federalism stressed by the Constitution is being given a deep burial. This is an intolerable atrocity, indeed.
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Consistent Seizure of States’ Rights
The Union Government has continuously been seizing the rights of the States, granted by the Constitution. By its unfair rules and ploys it is consistently seizing from the States, the powers and rights that should not be subject to seizure by anyone.
The Universities in States are Autonomous bodies. They reserve the right to frame exclusive rules and regulations and act independently. The Union Government is consistently snatching away the educational rights of State governments. It seems the country is under a Unitary Rule – not a Federal rule. This dictatorial and audacious governance is undesirable and also against the Constitution.
Not Permitted by Law
The Constitution does not permit Union Government to establish Universities. It is not empowered with any such right. Those who meticulously study the Constitution and all the Articles and sub articles in it, can understand this clearly as crystal.
(Ref. Item No.44 in List 1 of the Seventh Schedule under the caption ‘Union List’).
(a) Incorporation, regulation and winding up of Corporation, whether trading or not, with objects not confined to one State, but not including Universities.
State List:
(b) In the same Seventh Schedule, the 32nd item states as follows:
Incorporation, regulation and winding up of Corporations, other than those specified in
List-1 and Universities; unincorporated trading, literary, scientific, religious and other societies and associations; co-operative Societies.
(Dr. Justice A.K. Rajan’s book –
‘Constitution of India, is not what it is’.)
Under this circumstance, even after the shifting of ‘Education’ from the State List to the Concurrent List, as per the regulations cited above, the Union Government has no power at all to enact laws related to the State Universities.
The autonomy rights of the Universities too getting seized?
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has now revised its guidelines for appointment of Vice-Chancellors. According to the draft UGC Regulations, 2025, released on 6th January 2025, the Vice-Chancellors of Universities are to be chosen only as per the orders of the UGC. The attempt is to suddenly change the existing rules and regulations.
If this is implemented, not only the rights of States but also the autonomy of Universities would be totally seized, depriving them of their exceptional identity, individuality and liberty. This would be absolutely anti-democratic.
Like adding fuel to fire, the draft implies that not only academicians, but also non-academicians would be eligible to become Vice-Chancellors of Universities. Professionals from fields such as industry, trade, commerce, public administration and policy-making etc; would also now be eligible for the post of Vice-Chancellors. The hidden motive is to be favourable to the RSS coterie. University teaching experience is not a required criterion as per the revised guidelines. The RSS coteries would be free to bring anyone of their choice. This is absolutely a ploy to convert Universities as saffronised institutions. Giving secondary importance to Academicians implies this hidden agenda of the vested interests.
State Universities are allotted funds
by State Government
This fact is being ignored. The intention of the UGC is to form the search committee and give powers to Governors, to appoint Vice-Chancellors. The draft implies that the State governments formed by the mandate of the people would henceforth have no right to appoint Vice-Chancellors. This is a ploy to make it clear that the Union Government alone has the power and right to act unopposed and implement RSS principles in practice. A candidate chosen by any State or even any overseas country would be able to grab the coveted post of a vice-chancellor without any consideration of educational qualification or a proven track record. What would be the future of higher education if these revised guidelines get implemented?
Senior academicians and all those who respect and regard the Constitution should never accept these revised guidelines.
The Chief Minister is quite right in his voice of protest
The Dravidian Model Rule in Tamil Nadu is headed by the Chief Minister Hon’ble Thiru.M.K.Stalin. He has come out with his voice of protest, severely condemning the UGC draft Regulations. He has rejected it outright and announced that it would be fought against in a democratic manner, including legal steps. The other States in the country should be inspired by his strong protest and come forward to nip it in the bud, before it is too late.
Education and literacy were nourished and grown in leaps and bounds by Tamil Nadu. Our Dravidian Model Government is the source of inspiration for the academic excellence in all other States. Hence, we are terribly upset by the imminent threat to the field of education. Our anxiety is therefore justified and reasonable.
The deceptive appearance of the ‘Gujarat Model’ has been exposed. People have now realised the unpalatable truth. Tamil Nadu is an invincible State. We shall never stoop to injustice of any sort. It is high time all other States voice their protest. We shall win by our collective efforts.
