Kerala Governor downplays criticism of UGC draft guidelines, assures views will be considered

Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar addressed criticism of the draft UGC guidelines on Thursday, assuring that all views would be considered before finalizing the document. Speaking to reporters, he emphasized, “It is still a draft, not the final version. Everybody’s views will be discussed before releasing the final document.”

This comes after the Kerala assembly unanimously passed a resolution urging the Centre to withdraw and revise the draft guidelines. Arlekar stated, “India is a democracy; everyone has the right to express their views.”

During his visit, Arlekar met former Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan at his residence, calling him an "ideal figure in public life" and wishing him good health. The Governor also reflected on his “cordial” meeting with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his wife at Kerala Raj Bhavan, saying they exchanged pleasantries and views.