Editor Mr.Mayank Rawat ( Chief Editor Mr. Rohit Mishra )
New Delhi: Delhi University Teachers’ Association (DUTA) recently hosted a convention titled ‘Draft UGC Regulations, 2025 – A Critical Analysis’ at the India International Centre. This event brought together key figures in higher education to critically examine the recently introduced UGC regulations.
Although these reforms aim to align with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020—such as promoting academic flexibility, improving governance, and ensuring greater accountability—there have been growing concerns about their practicality and the potential negative impact on academic autonomy, recruitment practices, faculty promotions, and the overall functioning of institutions across India. The convention underscored the need for greater clarity, open dialogue, and a deeper engagement with the proposed changes.
Representatives from various teacher associations joined DUTA members, DU Council representatives, and former DUTA presidents in this critical discussion.
“Many delegates expressed concerns regarding the potential threats to academic freedom, rigid recruitment and promotion norms, and the uneven readiness of institutions across the country to implement these regulations,” noted a DUTA representative.
“The draft regulations need to be closely linked to the upcoming 8th Pay Commission and require substantial revisions,” the representative said. Key demands put forward included more flexible and inclusive criteria for appointments and promotions, recognition of past ad-hoc service, prioritisation of teaching and learning centres over innovation and technology centres, and the continuation of monetary increments for MPhil and PhD qualifications.
Concerns were also raised about the imposition of caps on senior promotions and the proposed introduction of the ‘professor of practice’ role to replace regular teaching positions. The convention called for equitable leave policies, transparent promotion procedures, and equal treatment for librarians and physical education directors.
Mayank Rawat
