Union Education Minister Reassures on UGC Guidelines Amid Protests
In response to ongoing protests against the recently issued guidelines by the University Grants Commission (UGC), Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan made a firm statement on Tuesday, assuring that no individual would face discrimination under the new framework. The minister delivered these remarks during an event in Nagaur, Rajasthan, where he was present to inaugurate a new school.
Pradhan's Assurance on Constitutional Framework
Dharmendra Pradhan emphasized that the new UGC guidelines have been meticulously formulated within the constitutional framework of India. He stated, "I want to assure that there will be no discrimination. No one will be allowed to misuse the new guidelines. The UGC and Union and state governments will be responsible for ensuring this." Furthermore, he highlighted that the issue has been addressed under the supervision of the Supreme Court, reinforcing the legal and ethical grounding of the guidelines.
Pradhan reiterated his commitment, saying, "This issue has been addressed under the supervision of Supreme Court. I want to assure once again that no one will be discriminated against." His statements aim to alleviate concerns and build trust among stakeholders in the higher education sector.
NSUI Launches Signature Campaign in Support
Simultaneously, the National Students Union of India (NSUI) initiated a signature campaign on Tuesday, starting from the University of Rajasthan (RU) in Jaipur, to garner support for the new UGC guidelines. The campaign is led by Ramesh Bhati, a national spokesperson of NSUI and a research scholar at MDSU Ajmer.
Bhati explained the campaign's objective, stating, "The objective is to create awareness among students about the new UGC guidelines and to highlight their positive impact on student welfare." This initiative reflects a proactive effort to educate and mobilize student communities in favor of the guidelines.
Promoting Transparency and Equal Opportunities
Amardeep Parihar, the state spokesperson for NSUI, elaborated on the benefits of the new guidelines. He noted that they are designed to promote transparency, quality, and equal opportunities within the higher education system. Parihar's comments underscore the potential positive outcomes of the guidelines, aiming to foster a more equitable and efficient educational environment.
The combined efforts of Union Minister Pradhan's assurances and NSUI's supportive campaign highlight a multifaceted approach to addressing concerns and promoting the new UGC guidelines. As the debate continues, these actions seek to ensure that the guidelines are implemented fairly and effectively, without compromising on the principles of non-discrimination and constitutional integrity.
