Ahmedabad: Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) on Wednesday alleged that the Centre has neglected Gujarat’s higher education sector by withholding grants from several state universities during 2025-26.Addressing the media, Congress spokesperson Hiren Banker claimed that at least six institutions — Hemchandracharya North Gujarat University, Veer Narmad South Gujarat University, Krantiguru Shyamji Krishna Verma Kachchh University, Gujarat University, Gujarat National Law University, and the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad — did not receive any central funds this year. He further alleged that HNGU has not received any grant from the Centre for the past four years.Quoting data from the University Grants Commission (UGC), Banker said funding to higher education institutions in Gujarat was uneven over the past three years. While the Central University of Gujarat and Gujarat Vidyapeeth received substantial grants, several other universities either received minimal funding or none at all, Congress claimed, calling it a “systematic injustice” towards public universities.The party also cited a NITI Aayog report to claim that student enrolment in higher education in Gujarat had declined. It alleged that more than 45% of professor-level posts remained vacant, affecting the quality of education.Congress further accused the Centre of favouring private universities while starving public institutions of funds, warning that affordable higher education could become increasingly inaccessible unless corrective measures are taken.
