India, Feb. 6 -- The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in Odisha openly criticised the draft regulations proposed by the University Grants Commission (UGC) for 2025 on Thursday, stating that these rules risk reducing the autonomy of state educational systems in the country.

The Opposition party labelled these steps as unconstitutional and argued that they could potentially disrupt the nation's federal structure. Similarly, at least six other states have echoed these concerns.

BJD representatives asserted that the UGC is facilitating political objectives and has called on the Odisha government to formally oppose the changes. The party has warned that it will take to the streets in protest if the government fails to act.

"UGC draft regulations for 2...