India’s University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a Public Notice instructing universities not to directly approach the Ministry of Home Affairs for security clearance.
New Delhi, May 6, 2025 — According to the UGC, the Ministry of Home Affairs has advised that Higher Education Institutions submit their requests for security clearance through the Ministry of Education. This Ministry will serve as the primary authority for processing these requests from universities.
Therefore, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has instructed all universities and higher education institutions to channel their requests for security clearance through the Ministry of Education. This directive aims to streamline the process and ensure all applications are handled efficiently. Institutions are advised not to approach the Ministry of Home Affairs directly, which may complicate the approval process.
If the request is valid, the Education Ministry will conduct a thorough evaluation to assess its merits. Upon completion of this review, the Ministry will forward the request to relevant departments, including the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of External Affairs, for further consideration and action.
Recently, local newspapers in Chandigarh reported that a prominent public university in the city had enthusiastically sought approval from the Ministries of Home Affairs and External Affairs. The university aimed to invite students from its sister university in Lahore, Pakistan, to partake in student festivals organized on its campus. These festivals were expected to celebrate cultural exchange, fostering friendship and collaboration among students from both countries.
According to reports, the Home and External Affairs Ministries declined the university’s request. Officials from these ministries characterized the proposal as irresponsible and potentially harmful to the nation’s interests. They expressed concerns that granting this request could result in significant adverse consequences, thereby threatening national security and the safety of the Union Territory of Chandigarh, which is currently grappling with rampant drug abuse.
Subsequent events validated the concerns expressed by the Home and External Ministries. The student festivals organized by the concerned University were significantly disrupted, resulting in a disheartening atmosphere. Alarming levels of hooliganism erupted, revealing a troubling lack of organization and crowd control. What was initially intended as a vibrant and joyful celebration quickly spiraled into chaos, with unruly behavior overshadowing the festivities and transforming them into a scene of disorder. Amidst this turmoil, imagine the additional tension and discomfort that would have arisen if Pakistani guests had attended the events.
Source: UGC
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