The Gujarat government’s push to implement the Gujarat Common Admission Services (GCAS) portal has sparked a fresh legal battle in the higher education sector, with St Xavier’s College approaching the Gujarat High Court against the mandatory admission framework.
Tensions between autonomous colleges and the state higher education department intensified after authorities allegedly mounted pressure on minority and self-governed institutions to adopt the centralised admission system. While several autonomous colleges eventually agreed to comply, St Xavier’s has continued to resist the move, arguing that its status as both an autonomous and minority institution gives it the constitutional right to conduct admissions independently.
Despite the college’s opposition, the higher education department reportedly listed St Xavier’s courses on the GCAS portal, leading thousands of students to apply under the assumption that admissions would be processed through the centralised merit system. The move has created uncertainty among applicants as the matter now awaits judicial scrutiny in the High Court.
Meanwhile, discontent has also surfaced within Gujarat University, where professors assigned to external examination duties have raised concerns over inadequate travel arrangements during the ongoing heatwave. Faculty members deputed to centres in Dholka, Bavla and Dhandhuka claimed they were made to travel in non-air-conditioned vehicles despite temperatures touching 43°C.
The teachers’ association criticised the arrangements, pointing out that even non-teaching staff are usually provided air-conditioned transport under such conditions. Professors have now formally demanded better facilities, stating that the present situation is affecting both their health and their ability to carry out examination responsibilities effectively during extreme summer conditions.