In a recent public notice, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a stern warning to private universities, cautioning them against affiliating colleges and establishing off-campus centers in violation of UGC regulations. This announcement follows concerns that some state private universities have been operating in contravention of UGC (Establishment of and Maintenance of Standards in Private Universities) Regulation, 2003, and against a judgment by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the case of Prof. Yash Pal & Others vs. State of Chhattisgarh & Others. Furthermore, some universities have been found to operate off-campus centers on a franchising basis, which is expressly prohibited.
The UGC emphasizes the need for the public, especially prospective students, to be informed about the status and compliance of private universities. As of the latest available information, several private universities established by the Acts of the Legislatures of different states have been listed as competent to award degrees under Section 22 of the UGC Act. However, this is subject to the approval of the relevant statutory councils, where applicable, through their main campus. In cases where the approval of the statutory council is not mandatory to initiate a program, the universities must adhere to minimum standards for academic and physical infrastructure as stipulated by the respective statutory councils.
One significant point highlighted by the UGC is that private universities are not authorized to affiliate institutions or colleges. Moreover, they are restricted from establishing off-campus centers beyond the territorial jurisdiction of the concerned state. Exceptions can be made for off-campus centers within the state, but only after the university has been in existence for five years and with prior approval from the University Grants Commission. To date, the UGC has not granted approval for any off-campus centers for private universities.
Furthermore, private universities seeking to offer courses under distance mode must obtain prior approval from the UGC. Students and the general public are advised to visit the Distance Education Bureau of the UGC, located at 35, Ferozshah Road, North Delhi, or contact them at 011-23381050, to confirm the validity of courses offered through distance education.
The UGC strongly advises students and the public to carefully review its website when considering admission to any private university. It is crucial to verify the university’s status with the UGC before seeking admission to any private university not explicitly listed in the UGC’s notice.
The UGC has also reiterated certain clauses from the UGC (Establishment of and Maintenance of Standards in Private Universities) Regulations, 2003, specifically para 3.7 and 3.8, which emphasize the importance of private universities providing comprehensive information about their degree programs to the UGC for approval and rectification of any deficiencies before offering such programs.
A copy of the UGC (Establishment and Maintenance of Standards in Private Universities) Regulations, 2003, along with the proforma for submission of information by private universities, has been attached to the notice for reference.
This public notice serves as a reminder of the UGC’s commitment to maintaining the quality and integrity of higher education institutions in India and ensuring that students make informed choices regarding their educational pursuits.
Author: IBC Global Times
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