Steering at a distance governance – UGC NET Question

The phrase “steering at a distance” captures a governance style in which the state no longer micromanages universities but influences them indirectly through instruments like funding formulas, performance metrics and audits. The stem describes exactly this shift from direct control to indirect influence. Therefore, the correct completion of the expression is “distance,” making Option A the right answer.

Option A:
Option A is correct because the governance model described is an arms-length (indirect) steering mechanism—hence “at a distance.”

Option B:
Steering at the centre would suggest centralised direct control, which is the opposite of an arms-length approach. Therefore, Option B is incorrect.

Option C:
“Steering at the campus” has no recognised meaning in higher education governance literature and does not capture indirect control via metrics and funding. Thus, Option C is incorrect.

Option D:
Ceremonies are symbolic events and are not instruments of policy steering through performance-based funding or audits. Therefore, Option D is incorrect.