Why is it in the News?

In line with the “future academic vision” instead of “commercial interests”, the UGC has notified modalities on March 6 for state private universities to set up off campus centers within their respective states.

News Summary:

• The University Grants Commission (UGC) recently permitted private universities to establish off-campus centers and outlined regulations for the same.
• Previously, private universities in the country were restricted from opening off-campus centers in other states.
• In a meeting held on March 5, the UGC decided to authorize state private universities to establish off-campus centers across the country, provided they meet specific criteria.
• Criteria include a minimum of five years of establishment and accreditation from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), without requiring an A or B grade.
• Universities seeking to establish off-campus centers must meet staff, infrastructure, and financial requirements mandated by the commission and obtain approvals from statutory and regulatory bodies.
• These universities must ensure the provision of infrastructure, faculty, and courses offered at the main campus to students at their off-campus centers.
• A one-time establishment fee of Rs 10 lakh is required to be paid to the UGC by the universities.
• The UGC reserves the right to conduct inspections and take punitive actions against universities in case of irregularities or complaints.
• Additionally, the UGC may order the closure of a university’s off-campus center for violations, with the university responsible for relocating affected students to the main campus.

About University Grants Commission (UGC):

• The University Grants Commission (UGC) of India operates as a statutory body established under the UGC Act, 1956.
• Its primary mandate encompasses coordinating, determining, and upholding standards within higher education institutions across India.
• UGC holds the authority to grant recognition to universities and colleges within the country and allocates funds to these recognized institutions.
• Nodal Ministry: Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education.

Mandate of UGC:

• Facilitating and coordinating university education initiatives.
• Establishing and maintaining standards in teaching, examination, and research activities within universities.
• Formulating regulations to define minimum education standards.
• Monitoring advancements in collegiate and university education while disbursing grants to these institutions.
• Serving as a crucial intermediary between the Union and State governments and higher education institutions.
• Providing advisory services to the Central and State governments concerning measures aimed at enhancing university education standards.

Conclusion

Academic experts said that this decision may prove beneficial for students as they will get more options to choose from. However, it also means that the 16 government-run universities in the state will face more competition. More students may shift to these centers, leaving a large number of approved seats in the public universities vacant every year.