BRS Opposes Centre’s Proposal on University Recruitment Changes
The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) party has strongly opposed the central government’s draft policy to change the recruitment process in universities. They argue that these proposed changes would strip state governments of their authority in higher education matters.
During a meeting, BRS leaders discussed the University Grants Commission (UGC) draft policy, which has been shared by the Centre for feedback from stakeholders by January 30. Speaking to the media after the meeting, senior BRS leader P. Sabita Indra Reddy expressed concerns about the draft. She stated that the policy, if implemented, would significantly reduce the rights of state governments. Reddy also criticized the Telangana Chief Minister, A. Revanth Reddy, who is also the Education Minister, for not addressing this important issue. She alleged that the government has not taken any steps to voice its stance within the given timeframe.
Reddy highlighted a key change in the draft policy, which proposes that the appointment of university Vice Chancellors (VCs) would be handled by the central government. “Currently, VC appointments are based on recommendations made by a search committee under the state government’s purview,” she explained. “If the new rules are enforced, this process will be completely handed over to the Governor. The BRS is completely against this move.” She further accused the Revanth-led state government of neglecting higher education and demanded that it oppose the UGC’s recommendations.
Former Member of Parliament B. Vinod Kumar added that the BRS leadership had spent nearly two and a half hours reviewing the UGC draft. He claimed that most of the eleven clauses in the draft were unfavorable to the state’s interests. Kumar announced that the BRS would upload its detailed objections to the UGC’s website on Friday. “After submitting our feedback to the UGC, we will share our proposals in detail during a press conference,” he said.
The BRS leaders reiterated their commitment to safeguarding the state’s rights in university matters and called on the state government to take immediate action against the proposed changes.
