University Grants Commission Directive and Controversy

• The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued directives regarding the appointment procedures of vice chancellors, causing disputes with state governments, especially Kerala and Tamil Nadu. 
• These states consider the directive unconstitutional as it interferes with state rights, particularly concerning the appointment of vice chancellors by Governors rather than state governments.

Criticism of UGC's Role

• States argue they finance and establish universities and thus should have the final say in appointments.
• The UGC's guideline changes allow non-academics with distinguished careers in other fields to become vice chancellors, which some believe is beneficial based on global practices.

UGC's Performance and Critique

• The UGC, established in 1956, aimed to maintain higher education standards but is criticized for enforcing uniform regulations without enhancing global education standards in India.
• Concerns over the quality of graduates and higher education in India have been expressed by various professionals, including a Supreme Court judge and top corporate leaders.
• The UGC focuses more on procedural controls rather than the quality of education, likened to colonial-era surveillance methods.

Challenges in Indian Higher Education

• Excessive regulatory controls have diminished faculty autonomy and responsibility for learning outcomes.
• The decline in the stature of public universities and the lack of significant contributions in cutting-edge science and technology are highlighted.
• The emergence of global players like China in AI underscores India's underperformance in knowledge production.

The UGC is encouraged to revisit its original mandate and address these challenges to improve India's higher education system.