BJD criticises UGC draft regulations for 2025, BJP responds

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in Odisha openly criticised the draft regulations proposed by the University Grants Commission (UGC) for 2025 on Thursday, stating that these rules risk reducing the autonomy of state educational systems in the country.

Also Read: BJD delegation visits New Delhi over ‘Polavaram project concerns’; BJP responds

The Opposition party labelled these steps as unconstitutional and argued that they could potentially disrupt the nation’s federal structure. Similarly, at least six other states have echoed these concerns.

BJD representatives asserted that the UGC is facilitating political objectives and has called on the Odisha government to formally oppose the changes. The party has warned that it will take to the streets in protest if the government fails to act.

“UGC draft regulations for 2025 are an intervention on a state Assembly’s power in a federal structure. It is not only an attack on our federalism; rather, it is an attack on the basic structure of our constitution,” senior BJD leader Amar Patnaik expressed.

“When an Act has already been passed in a state legislature, how can it be overridden by a Central regulation?” the Rajya Sabha MP questioned.

In a formal communication to the UGC chairperson, the BJD has not only opposed the draft regulations but also demanded necessary amendments.

In contrast, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) refuted these claims, suggesting that BJD members have misunderstood the newly proposed education policies. BJP spokesperson Satyabrata Panda dismissed the BJD’s accusations as mere conspiracy.

Must Read: Naveen Patnaik seeks compensation for Odisha farmers; BJP responds

“As it seems, perhaps, the BJD leaders have not properly studied the draft regulations. They have not understood it either. Otherwise, they would not have raised such an issue, which is irrelevant. I would like to condemn the mean plot of the BJD leaders in the strongest words possible,” the senior BJP leader countered.