Academics, activists protest against proposed UGC norms

Noted academicians took out a protest rally to the Secretariat under the banner of All India Save Education Committee (AISEC) against the Draft UGC Regulations, 2025, on Thursday.

Noted academicians took out a protest rally to the Secretariat under the banner of All India Save Education Committee (AISEC) against the Draft UGC Regulations, 2025, on Thursday.

The demonstration saw the protestors burning copies of the controversial document.

Inaugurating the protest meeting, AISEC State president George Joseph voiced deep concern over the amendments, warning that they could bring university education entirely under the control of the Central government. He also highlighted the risks associated with the appointment process for Vice Chancellors and teachers.

Former Mahatma Gandhi University Dean M.P. Mathai delved into the serious implications of the proposed changes, particularly the introduction of the ‘Professor of Practice’ status for individuals without academic qualifications. He cautioned that such measures could pave the way for professionals from business and industry to take up academic positions without the necessary scholarly expertise, and ultimately compromising the core values of education.

AISEC national vice-president M. Shajar Khan presided over the meeting. Environmentalist K.G. Thara, former Additional Director of Collegiate Education M. Jyothiraj and former Professor of Kerala University Antony Palakkal were among those who spoke on the occasion.