Mainstream WeeklyThe Private University Interlude in Tamil Nadu: The Post-Exit Scenario
The Hasty Interlude
On 16th October 2025, the Government of Tamil Nadu unexpectedly and hastily introduced a Bill in the Assembly to amend the Tamil Nadu Private University Act 2019 with a view to converting Government Aided Colleges ex mass into Private Universities. The academics were terribly surprised of this sudden interlude. As per the Bill, the 163 Aided Arts and Science Colleges and 3 Aided Technical Institutes were free to opt for the transfer. The Teachers, Students and the people at large were caught unawares and none could comprehend any reason behind the move. For the State Government there also remained no specific reason to alter the status quo, even by way of an apologia.
However, before the academics could gear up the stage had been well set for the transfer. The allies were tight lipped conspicuously in anticipation of the showers of bliss from the ruling party in the ensuing elections. The opposition could only grieve or groan, but they were not in a position to create a precipitative situation. The sporadic protests by the conscientious organisations and socially conscious activists could not arouse the masses. Unfortunately, most of the academic community remained submerged in mundane realities.
— The Bill was passed by voice vote and most of the Aided College managements busied themselves to form the queue. Significantly the STC community at Trichy hailed the move and the Minister who had represented their cause. The ground remained unshaken and everything could be carried out with ease.
Why the Haste? The Probabilities
Probably the rulers of the State drew the necessary inspiration from the pioneering action of the Gujarath, Rajasthan and Haryana States.
Probably they might have thought of making peace with the Union Government and the State Governor through the Bill which has the sanction of the NEP 2020.
Probably they might have thought of regaining the denied grants by creating the impression that their opposition to the NEP 2020 was only skin deep, that the alternate policy they had evolved was only peripheral, that they have already tenurised labour and that now they are determined to normalise educational labour forces.
Probably the move was a clear diversionary tactic to distract and immobilize the Teaches and others who remain battle trim to launch a massive movement to clinch the pension issue and other demands confronting service conditions, equity and social justice.
Probably the Dravidian Model Governance ideologues must have impressed upon the need to