M. Jagadesh Kumar, as Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC) since February 2022, has spearheaded several initiatives aimed at transforming the UGC into a more effective and forward-thinking body for university governance in India.
His tenure reflects a commitment to aligning higher education with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, emphasizing good governance, inclusivity, and adaptability to global and local needs.
Below is an analysis of his key contributions and their impact on redefining the UGC as a “University Good Governance Commission”:
1. Implementation of NEP 2020
Kumar has been instrumental in driving the adoption of NEP 2020 across higher education institutions (HEIs). His focus on a multidisciplinary approach, flexible curricula, and student-centric reforms has aimed to modernize university governance. Key actions include:
- Curriculum Framework Reforms: Introducing flexibility in course options to enhance employability, such as allowing students to earn up to 50% of credits through skill-based courses via platforms like Swayam Plus.
- Promotion of Indian Languages: Advocating for education in regional languages to improve inclusivity and learning outcomes, particularly for rural students, while positioning English as a communication tool rather than a barrier.
Comment: These steps strengthen governance by decentralizing academic rigidity and empowering universities to tailor education to diverse student needs, aligning with global best practices while rooting them in Indian contexts. However, the pace of implementation across varied institutions remains a challenge, requiring robust monitoring mechanisms.
2. Emphasis on Autonomy and Accountability
Kumar has pushed for greater autonomy for HEIs while ensuring accountability through structured guidelines:
- Institutional Development Plans (IDPs): The UGC (Fitness of Colleges for Receiving Grants) Rules, 2024, mandate HEIs to develop IDPs, with top plans showcased as models. This fosters strategic planning and self-governance.
- Semester-Based System: Advocating a shift from annual exams to a semester system for continuous assessment, enhancing academic rigor and feedback loops.
Comment: By granting autonomy within a framework of accountability, Kumar is fostering a governance model that balances freedom with responsibility. The IDP initiative, in particular, could transform universities into proactive entities, though its success hinges on institutional capacity and expert evaluation consistency.
3. Faculty and Leadership Reforms
Kumar has broadened the criteria for faculty contributions and leadership eligibility:
- Holistic Faculty Evaluation: Moving beyond research publications, he has expanded recognition to include mentoring, community outreach, textbook writing in Indian languages, and patents, reflecting NEP 2020’s multidisciplinary ethos.
- Vice-Chancellor Appointments: The Draft UGC Regulations 2025 allow professionals from industry, public administration, and policy (with scholarly contributions) to lead universities, alongside academics, aiming for strategic and visionary governance.
Comment: These reforms diversify talent pools and incentivize varied contributions, potentially improving university leadership and teaching quality. Critics, however, caution against risks of commercialization or dilution of academic focus, necessitating clear benchmarks for non-academic appointees.
4. Transparency and Efficiency in Processes
Kumar has addressed governance ambiguities through regulatory clarity:
- VC Selection Process: The revised VC appointment guidelines specify a transparent search-cum-selection committee under the chancellor, reducing disputes and political interference seen in states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
- Digital Empowerment: Initiatives like the Academic Bank of Credits and increased budget allocations (e.g., ₹16 crore in 2025-26) for digitization enhance administrative efficiency and student access.
Comment: Enhanced transparency strengthens trust in UGC’s oversight, a cornerstone of good governance. Yet, opposition from states highlights tensions between central and state authority, suggesting a need for dialogue to ensure cooperative federalism in education governance.
5. Focus on Inclusivity and Skill Development
Kumar’s tenure has prioritized equitable access and practical learning:
- Internship Programs: Large-scale internship schemes, including apprenticeship-embedded degrees, target students from weaker socio-economic backgrounds, bridging theory and practice.
- Financial Aid: Support for schemes like PM Vidya Lakshmi ensures collateral-free loans, democratizing access to education.
Comment: These initiatives align with good governance principles of equity and responsiveness, preparing students for employment while reducing financial barriers. Scaling these programs effectively across India’s diverse HEIs will be critical to their long-term impact.
Overall Assessment
M. Jagadesh Kumar’s contributions pivot the UGC toward a governance model that emphasizes flexibility, inclusivity, transparency, and employability—hallmarks of a “University Good Governance Commission.”
His academic background (PhD from IIT Madras, professorship at IIT Delhi) and administrative experience (JNU Vice-Chancellor) lend credibility to his vision, while his focus on NEP 2020 ensures policy continuity. However, challenges remain:
- Resistance from States: Opposition from states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu to VC appointment rules underscores federal tensions, potentially undermining uniform implementation.
- Capacity Gaps: Many HEIs lack the infrastructure or faculty to fully adopt these reforms, risking uneven outcomes.
- Balancing Innovation and Tradition: Expanding leadership eligibility and faculty roles must avoid compromising academic integrity.
Final Comment: Kumar’s transformative agenda is bold and aligns with global trends, positioning the UGC as a facilitator of progressive governance rather than a micromanager.
Success will depend on collaborative execution, robust monitoring, and addressing stakeholder concerns to ensure that autonomy translates into excellence rather than disparity. His tenure thus far marks a significant shift, but its legacy will rest on sustained impact over time.