Since the Gujarat government came up with a bill with the Common Universities Act that allegedly tightens grip on public universities, it has attracted staunch opposition from teachers, academics, and student unions.

A protest was held in Vadodara against the Gujarat Common Universities Act, 2023, by students, academicians, the Baroda University Staff Association (BUSA), and the Baroda University Teachers’ Association (BUTA) on Sept 9.

Which universities are included in the Act?

The Common Universities Act, 2003, amends, consolidates, and unifies law relating to universities, including

The Gujarat University, the Hemchandracharya North Gujarat University, Krantiguru Shyamji Krishna Verma Kachchh University, the Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University, the Sardar Patel University, the Saurashtra University, the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda (MSU), and the Veer Narmad South Gujarat University

Evidently, MSU will be affected by this Act at large since it holds residential status.

Voice of protestors

The protestors said that if the government wants to construct a common law for every university, then it should be done centrally. They also emphasised that the state shouldn't interfere in the administration of educational institutions.

Protestors believed that the Common Act also encourages privatisation of the university, which will take away the affordability factor of a university like MSU.

Shedding light on the same, they said that currently students are paying nominal fees in different streams, including arts, commerce, and science, which will not be the case after the Act.

Why is the Common Universities Act opposed?

The opposing voices resist the Act, because:

The Act is said to have strict oversight over public universities in Gujarat.

Teachers and aspirant scholars will have to seek permission from the state government before publishing any research paper, book, or article. In the already existing meek research exposure, the Act adds up to more problems than solutions.

The students will also have to sign a form that ensures discipline from the students, and the standards of 'discipline' will be decided by the respective universities.

The Common Universities Act reportedly aims to introduce changes in the governance structure of universities. It proposes the replacement of political elected bodies, such as the senate and the syndicate, with a board of governors.

Additionally, the draft includes a provision granting the state government the authority to appoint officers like the registrar, finance and accounts officer, or controller of examinations on deputation if university officials fail to fulfil their duties.

It also grants the government the power to inspect universities and their affiliated colleges through an official not below the rank of joint director and to conduct audits as necessary.

For more such updates and news on the go, follow us on

Instagram | YouTube | Facebook