Govt sets timeline for nod to set up self-financing colleges

Govt sets timeline for nod to set up self-financing colleges

Poulami.Roy@timesofindia.com 07.11.2024

Kolkata : The state higher education department streamlined the process of obtaining a no objection certificate (NOC) for setting up self-financed colleges in Bengal. Each step in the whole process, which will now be overseen by an integrated law cell acting as the nodal branch, has to be completed within a stipulated time frame. This process will be completed in less than two years. If everything goes well, the NOC can be issued within two months from the date of receipt of compliance. “It was necessary as we noticed in some cases the process took 3-5 years to complete,” said an official of the department. 

A memorandum issued by the department stated that it was necessary to frame a standard operating procedure (SOP) for streamlining the process. The policy to set up self-financing degree colle ges was framed in 2015. According to the policy, an applicant needs to submit an application containing the proposal and eight copies of a detailed project report, along with the application fee, to establish a self-financing degree college. After receiving an application, the integrated law cell is required to initiate the file within one month. The law cell must propose the formation of an enquiry committee to examine the detailed project report, visit the location of the proposed college, the background of the applicant, among other aspects. If the proposal is found non-viable, it must be communicated within 15 days. 

The enquiry panel must submit its report within one month from the date of its constitution. If the committee is not able to submit its report within the stipulated time ,it must seek prior permission to extend the deadline. The committee will submit the report to the law cell , and the entire process has to be completed within two months