UGC Framework for Private Universities

Context

Thinking about the future academic vision instead of “commercial interests”, the UGC has notified modalities for state private universities.

Key Highlights

• The University Grants Commission recently allowed private universities to establish their off-campus centres and introduced rules for the same.
• The country’s private universities were not allowed to open off-campus centres so far in other states.
• In a meeting held on March 5, UGC decided to allow the country’s private universities to open off-campus centres in any state within the country if they met the following criteria:
  • A minimum of 5 years of established order and operations and
  • Accreditation from the national Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC).
• However, it will not be required to have an A or a B grade in NAAC ratings.
• The non-public college that wants to set up off-campus centres should meet the minimum workforce, infrastructure and financial necessities set by the commission.
• The universities must provide approvals from the statutory and regulatory bodies.
• The universities will have to assure they may provide infrastructure, faculty and publications being supplied at the main campus to the students of their off-campus centres.
• The universities should pay Rs 10 lakh as status quo expenses to UGC.
• The fee could have the right to carry out inspections and take punitive measures in opposition to the college in cases of irregularities and court cases.
• The UGC may additionally order closure of a university’s off-campus middle if it breaches any of the guidelines.
  • In such instances, the university must facilitate shifting college students to their main campus.

About University Grants Commission (UGC)

• The University Grants Commission of India is a statutory body under the provisions of UGC Act, 1956.
• It is liable for coordistate, willpower and renovation of requirements of better schooling.
• It provides recognition to universities in India, and disburses finances to such identified universities and colleges.
• Nodal Ministry: Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education

Mandate of UGC

• Promoting and coordinating college schooling.
• Determining and retaining standards of coaching, examistate and studies in universities.
• Framing rules on minimum standards of education.
• Monitoring tendencies in the area of collegiate and college schooling; disbursing offers to the colleges and faculties.
• Serving as a vital link between the Union and State governments and establishments of better mastering.
• Advising the Central and State governments on the measures essential for the development of university education.

Conclusion

• Academic experts said that this selection might also show useful for college students as they may get extra options to select from.
• However, it additionally means that the sixteen authorities-run universities in the country will face more opposition.
• More college students may also shift to those centres, leaving a massive number of permitted seats in the public universities vacant each year.

Source: The Indian Express

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