Southern states lead fight against draft UGC guidelines

First, Karnataka took the lead, and now Kerala is intensifying the fight against the draft UGC guidelines. On February 5, the Karnataka government hosted a conclave in Bengaluru, where higher education ministers from seven states united to pass a joint resolution opposing the proposed guidelines. This included all southern states except Andhra Pradesh, as well as representatives from Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Jharkhand. On February 20, Kerala will convene a National Education Convention in Thiruvananthapuram, inviting higher education ministers from all non-NDA ruled states.

Kerala's Higher Education Minister R Bindu expressed strong opposition, stating, "The new draft guidelines of the UGC are an infringement on the federal structure. Whether it concerns the appointment of Vice Chancellors, professors, or the administration of public universities, we will not accept this. This is our form of protest." Kerala is also prepared to take legal action if the central government fails to address their concerns.