Allahabad University VC's reappointment raises governance and higher education policy questions

Hindustan Times - India · 25 Sept 2026 · 2 min read
Prelims · Polity Mains · GS2 Governance High relevance

Prof. Sangita Srivastava becomes first woman VC of a central university to secure second term, amid controversies over fee hikes and administrative decisions, highlighting governance challenges in higher education institutions.

Key points

Prof. Sangita Srivastava reappointed as Allahabad University VC for second five-year term by President Droupadi Murmu, becoming first woman VC of central university to achieve this milestone.

Controversial tenure marked by student protests over 2022 fee hikes, mosque loudspeaker complaint, and questions in Parliament about her initial appointment eligibility.

University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations permit VC reappointment under amended 2012 rules, setting precedent after Delhi University VC's similar reappointment in July 2026.

Academic divide exists between supporters advocating continuity benefits and critics questioning decade-long leadership's impact on institutional innovation.

National Education Policy 2020 implementation during her tenure included four-year UG programs with research options, connecting to GS2 governance reforms in higher education.

[GS2-Social Justice] Fee hike protests highlighted accessibility concerns for economically weaker students, despite university's poverty relief measures for Covid-affected families.

NAAC A+ grade achieved under her leadership with 400 teacher appointments and 636 non-teaching staff recruitments, showing administrative achievements.

Executive Council backed fee hike as necessary for NEP implementation and infrastructure, revealing tension between financial sustainability and student welfare.

Way Forward: Central universities should establish transparent VC selection criteria, mandatory performance reviews after first term, and stakeholder consultation mechanisms for major decisions like fee revisions to balance autonomy with accountability.

Key terms

University Grants Commission (UGC)

Statutory body established in 1956 under University Grants Commission Act for coordination, determination and maintenance of standards in higher education. Governs central universities' appointments, funding and academic standards - crucial for GS2 governance questions.

National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC)

Autonomous institution under UGC that assesses and accredits Higher Education Institutions with grades from A++ to C. Its A+ grade signifies high institutional quality, relevant for GS2 education governance and quality benchmarking.

Central University

Institution established by Act of Parliament, funded by Union Government through UGC. Allahabad University became central university in 2005, making its governance structure important for GS2 federalism and education policy analysis.

Executive Council

Highest decision-making body in central universities, equivalent to Board of Governors. Composed of VC, deans and government nominees, its role in fee hikes and policy decisions is critical for GS2 institutional governance questions.