UGC MANDATES RECOGNITION OF COLLEGES TO NUDGE THEM TOWARDS AUTONOMY
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has recently introduced the draft Recognition of Colleges under Clause (f) of Section 2 of the UGC Act Regulations 2023 to establish a comprehensive database of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) for effective policy implementation. This will allow an increasing number of HEIs to become eligible for NAAC accreditation. Talking about the draft regulations that are currently in the public domain for feedback, Manish Ratnakar Joshi, secretary, UGC, says There are approximately 45,000 colleges in India, but only a few have UGC recognition. The new guidelines mandate that all existing higher education institutions must be enlisted under section 2(f) of the UGC Act, 1956, and new colleges can seek UGC recognition within three years of starting operations. The UGC recognition is also an important prerequisite for getting NAAC accreditation and very few institutions in India are NAAC accredited , We have now made the universities responsible for ensuring that all colleges affiliated with them should get UGC recognition and upload it on their website. In the absence of credible data, it is difficult to implement government of policies effectively he elaborates.
PRECONDITIONS FOR COMPLIANCE
As per the draft guidelines, it is mandatory for the college and affiliating university to upload the status of affiliation and recognition under section 2(1) of the UGC Act on their website. To be recognised by the UGC, a college must meet certain conditions, including proper affiliation to a university, adherence to UGC rules and guidelines, and offering recognised degrees or diplomas.
The affiliating university is tasked with verifying the application details within 60 days and providing observations and recommendations on the UGC portal. The UGC may conduct physical or virtual verifications and, if deficiencies are not rectified, may even withdraw the recognition. Non compliance with UGC rules may lead to removal from the list of recognised colleges.
IMPROVING PERFORMANCE
Institutions that do not have UGC recognition can use this opportunity to rectify defects and improve their performance . The affiliating varsities will be responsible for making the colleges comply with this requirement. Further, periodically, the affiliating universities must also inspect the affiliated colleges and ensure all UGC requirements are met, says PV Navaneethakrishnan, former director, Admissions and Examinations, Anna University, Tamil Nadu.
Perks of recognition
Once the colleges are UGC re-cognised, they will become eligible to receive research grants under section 12B. The colleges can apply for major or minor research grants and opt for NAAC accreditation that will enable them to get autonomy later, says Joshi.
From - Times of India
Published on 15th JAN 2024.
.jpg)
