Situation in State-run universities in Tamil Nadu worrisome, says Governor

Situation in State-run universities in Tamil Nadu worrisome, says Governor

The Hindu Bureau

Chennai  10.01.2026

State-run universities in Tamil Nadu hardly figure in the top ranks of the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), a nationwide ranking system for higher education institutions, giving an indication of the academic environment in the State, Governor R.N. Ravi said on Thursday.

Addressing students and faculty members during a conclave on Indian Republic @75 and the inauguration of Vendhar Museum Phase II at SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), Mr. Ravi said several institutions from Tamil Nadu figured in the top 20 NIRF rankings, but there were hardly any State-run institutions on the list. It was not because of the students studying in these universities, who were potentially as bright as those in other universities, but because the academic environment in the State was vitiated, he said.

The University of Madras, which was among the top universities in India, had lost its glory in the past few decades, he said.

“The situation is indeed worrisome, not only in Madras University but other universities, especially the State-run universities, as well,” he said.

He alleged attempts by “certain forces” in the country to undermine the people’s confidence in constitutional institutions such as the Election Commission of India and the judiciary.

Deepam row

Referring to the Thirupparankundram deepam controversy, he said never before had the country witnessed a situation where the High Court had granted a request to light the ceremonial lamp for Karthigai Deepam atop a hill, but the State had put all its might into preventing it from happening.