TN Students-Parents Association against scrapping of UGC

In its state convention, which was held here, the association, comprising various academicians, passed several resolutions including urging the Ministry of Human Resources Ministry to stay with UGC act.

In the programme, which was attended by various speakers including former vice chancellors, professors and principals of various schools, it was also decided to spread their demands through social media.

Senior Educationist and Economist Dr Venkatesh Athreya said the state will not have any rights to interfere in the internal affairs including appointing the members of the Higher Education Commission.

Stating that everyone should reject the Centre’s proposal, the educationist said, “Businessmen can interfere in the work of Higher Education Commission by influencing the authorities.” The meeting also pointed out that the draft act is available only in English and it was not available in any Indian Language. “It will not be possible for people whose mother tongue is Bengali, Gujarati, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu and other Indian Languages to study the document and comment,” the meeting claimed.

The members claimed that in several entries of the draft act, it was found that the prima facie there is a gross violation of Article 246 of the Constitution of India.

Citing some examples that the draft act alters the basic structure of the Constitution of India, the member also pointed out the draft act is a deliberate attempt to alter the basic structure of the constitution of the country. “The draft act encroaches upon the rights of the state government to incorporate, regulate and wind up a university,” the association said.