Telangana CM Revanth Reddy Slams Draft UGC Guidelines, Calls for Collective Fight to Protect State Rights
Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Sunday criticized the draft University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines, labeling them as an “attack on the Constitution” and demanded their immediate withdrawal. Speaking at the unveiling of a statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar at the BR Ambedkar Open University in Hyderabad, Reddy vowed to unite southern states in a collective effort to oppose the proposed changes.
Reddy alleged that the Centre’s proposed amendments seek to centralize control over universities, effectively diminishing the autonomy of state governments. He expressed strong objections to the move to appoint vice-chancellors of Telangana universities from Delhi, arguing that individuals in Delhi would lack an understanding of the state’s unique realities and challenges.
“This is a big cultural attack and conspiracy to erode the autonomy of states in managing their universities,” he said. Highlighting Dr. Ambedkar’s emphasis on the separation of state, Central, and concurrent lists in the Constitution, Reddy accused the Centre of undermining the federal structure of governance.
The Chief Minister revealed that he has already coordinated with the Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala on the issue, and plans to reach out to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to garner further support.
“On the occasion of the 76th Republic Day, I urge Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reconsider this attack on the Constitution. The proposed UGC regulations are an invasion on our states and regions. If the Centre imposes its will just because it has power, it will yield no good results,” Reddy warned.
He assured that Telangana would not relinquish its rights, emphasizing the state’s firm stance against the draft guidelines. Reddy added that the state government’s recommendations were allegedly ignored in the selection process for this year’s Padma awards, further straining relations between the Centre and the state.
“The Centre must respect the Constitution and the rights of states. We will collectively fight to protect our autonomy and ensure that such amendments are withdrawn,” he declared.
The Chief Minister’s remarks come amid growing tensions between state governments and the Centre over jurisdiction and autonomy in various sectors, particularly education. The proposed UGC guidelines, which seek greater central control over university appointments and governance, have sparked widespread debate across the country.
Reddy’s call for a united stand among southern states signals a potential political showdown between regional leaders and the Central government over the issue.
