MADURAI: Former Vice-Chancellor of Anna University Prof.E.Balagurusamy has today appealed to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Mr.C.Joseph Vijay to implement an immediate action plan with corrective measures to revive higher education in the State because the current situation is very alarming and what is urgently required is CM’s personal attention.
He wrote a letter to the Chief Minister on October 26th 2026 by highlighting 7 priorities that must be addressed quickly to resolve a few fundamental problems confronting the universities and higher education system in Tamil Nadu.
“Absence of regular Vice-Chancellors is a matter of serious concern because prolonged absence of leadership affects the varsities. The TVK government which assumed office more than five months back is yet to appoint VCs and that process must be done by following merit-based transparent procedure. I also make a personal appeal to fill other key administrative positions in our universities,” Prof.E.Balagurusamy, who is also a former Member of UPSC-New Delhi, has urged in his letter to CM Vijay today.
DELAY IN RECRUITMENT & PROMOTIONS:
The former VC has called for a fast time-bound programme for announcing faculty recruitment, promotions and career advancement to staff in all universities and government colleges.
“One of the most serious but often overlooked consequences of the present situation is the growing demoralisation of faculty members in higher education institutions. Prolonged uncertainty in recruitment, promotions, financial support, research opportunities and institutional leadership has adversely affected faculty morale. This should be corrected,” he added.
Prof.E.Balagurusamy also suggested to CM Vijay to establish a dedicated State Research and Innovation Fund, enforce applicable fee regulations, take action against capitation fee demands/unauthorised charges and also to set up a Higher Education Revitalisation Mission in Tamil Nadu by constituting a high-level committee of eminent educationists, experienced university administrators, industry representatives, researchers and other stakeholders to prepare a comprehensive action plan with measurable targets and periodic reporting.
STATUS REPORT IN 30 DAYS:
The well-known academician had suggested in his letter that the government should publish an initial status report within 30 days by swiftly identifying the major vacancies in varsities/colleges, urgent financial requirements, pending cases, research funding needs and complaints about students’ fees issues etc.
“Higher education is not merely one among several departments. It is a strategic investment in the future of Tamil Nadu. A university without effective leadership cannot realise its full potential and a demoralised teacher cannot be expected to inspire every student. Take this as a priority and solve the problem of inadequate funds for salaries and pensions by doing a quick university-wise assessment on the funds they want. Tamil Nadu has historically been one of the leading States in India in the field of education. However, the present alarming situation threaten to erode this valuable legacy of our State and that is very disturbing,” Prof.E.Balagurusamy has said in his detailed letter of revival roadmap ideas to Chief Minister Mr.C.Joseph Vijay today-October 26th 2026.
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