Notify VC search panels I had formed, Governor tells Tamil Nadu govt.

From Page One THE HINDU 

Notify VC search panels I had formed, Governor tells Tamil Nadu govt.
21.12.2024

The Governor pointed out that his panel for Anna University comprised the nominees of the Chancellor, the State government, the Syndicate and the UGC Chairman, in accordance with the provisions of the University's Act and the UGC Regulations, 2018.

Similarly, the search committees for Bharathidasan and Periyar universities included the nominees of the State government, the universities' Senate and Syndicate, and the UGC Chairman, the statement added.

The release further pointed out that the Governor-Chancellor, acting within the ambit of Constitutional and legal provisions, had constituted the search committees to ensure a fair and impartial process for selecting V-Cs.

The Governor also objected to the Higher Education Department's action of notifying the search committee for Bharathidasan University on December 9; and for Periyar and Anna universities on December 13. The government orders were published in the Gazette, and the committees excluded the UGC Chairman's nominee, he added.

On Thursday, Minister Govi. Chezhiaan cited a Supreme Court judgment, dated July 17, 2013, in support of the government's stand in the matter. The Raj Bhavan, in its response, said the statement was misleading. The Supreme Court, in another judgment on October 21, 2022, held that any appointment as a VC made on the recommendation of the search committee constituted contrary to the provisions of the UGC Regulations, shall be void ab initio, it added.

It further pointed out that any selection by a search committee constituted without the UGC chairman's nominee was bound to be quashed by the court. The role of a VC is pivotal in shaping the future of universities, and keeping the post vacant went against the interest of students.

Minister responds

Higher Education Minister Govt. Chezhiaan demanded that the Governor pave the way for filling vacant VC posts instead of creating hurdles to the process.

In response to the Governor's statement, the Minister said Mr. Ravi was merely repeating himself, despite the State government having pointed out that it had followed the regulations brought in by the State legislature.

He urged the Governor not to create a “crisis situation”. The University Grants Commission can only make recommendations. The State need not follow the UGC recommendations, he said.

Mr. Chezhiaan said the Governor appeared to have an ulterior motive in repeatedly demanding that the UGC Chairman's nominee be included, even though the State had followed the respective university's statutes in constituting the VC search panel.

The Minister said the Governor was interfering in the State's functions. He should instead focus on ensuring that the State universities receive the funds due to them from the UGC, which had been drastically reduced or delayed for many years, he added.

He urged the Governor to give up his “politically-motivated” attack, and instead work to improve the functioning of the universities.

The Minister said the government would address the issue legally.

Candidate gets 101.66 out of 100 in job test, aspirants protest Indore : 17.12.2024

Candidate gets 101.66 out of 100 in job test, aspirants protest Indore : 17.12.2024

Job aspirants staged a protest in Indore on Monday raising questions over a candidate getting 101.66 marks out of total 100 due to the adoption of "normalisation process" in a Madhya Pradesh government recruitment. . . examination. 

The protesters alleged fraud in the recruitment examination and demanded a fair inquiry. Eyewitnesses said the agitating unemployed youth gathered in front of the district collector's office and handed over a memorandum addressed to chief minister Mohan Yadav to an officer. The memorandum said in the joint recruitment examination 2023 (Van and Jail Recruitment Test 2023) of Forest and Jail departments, a candidate scored 101.66 marks out of a total of 100 and topped the selection list. The result of this examination conducted by the Madhya Pradesh Employees Selection Board, headquartered in Bhopal, was declared on December 13. 

After the announcement of the result, the board clarified the "process of normalisation" has been adopted in the recruitment examination as per rules. . , because of which candidates can get more than full marks (100) and less than zero. Normalization is a process for ensuring that students are neither advantaged nor disadvantaged by the difficulty of papers they write. The process involves revising the score of a student in a way that it becomes comparable with the score of another. This becomes necessary when an examination in the same subject is held in multiple sessions, each with a different paper. A leader of the protesters, Gopal Prajapat, told reporters, "This is the first time in the state's history that a candidate has scored more than the total marks due to the normalization process adopted in the recruitment exam. We are protesting against the unfair process. . . of normalization and demanding a fair inquiry." PTI

11 nursing colleges await nod from finance department

11 nursing colleges await nod from finance department

 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK  17.11.2024

Chennai : In April 2023, the state announced it had permission from the Center to establish 11 new nursing colleges in existing govt medical college campuses, with an intake of 100 students each. But the files related to these colleges are still awaiting approval from the finance department. The central government agreed to cover 60% of the costs. "Once established, these colleges will increase the number of govt nursing colleges in the state to 17," health minister Ma Subramanian said. 

The directorate of medical education submitted a proposal to the state finance department a few weeks later. “They wanted to know if the Center will fund recurring expenses such as salaries every year. Officials in the ministry told us the scheme allows funding only for the establishment of the college. So it is a one-time funding that can be used for construction of buildings,” said a senior health department official. The finance department also sought justification for new colleges. 

According to TN nursing council, the state, which has more than 1.8 lakh nurses, will in 2025 achieve the WHO recommendation of a minimum of three nurses per 1,000 population to ensure adequate healthcare coverage. "This ratio is crucial for providing quality healthcare services and addressing the global shortage of healthcare professionals," said TN Nurses and Midwives Council registrar S Ani Grace Kalaimathi. "While India has 1.8 per 1,000 population, TN will have close to 3 per 1,000," she said.

 Director of Medical Education Dr J Sangumani did not respond to calls, but officials in DME said they were unable to justify the need for more nursing colleges to the finance department. “The govt has 26 schools of nursing offering three year diploma courses in addition to the six colleges of nursing. In addition, more than 250 private colleges are offering more than 16,000 BSc nursing seats every year” the official said. Healthcare experts, however, say there are not enough nurses. in the state.

Woman officer complains against VC to Guv, govt

Woman officer complains against VC to Guv, govt

 Ramendra Singh & Siddharth Shankar Pandey TNN 12.12.2024

Bhopal/Jabalpur : A female officer of Rani Durgavati Vishwavidyalaya (RDVV) in Jabalpur has filed a complaint against the vicechancellor, accusing of inappropriate gestures, harassment and protecting staff members who harass her. The complaint has been submitted to the Madhya Pradesh Governor, state women commission and higher education department. She confirmed to TOI that copies of the complaint circulating on social media were genuine. 

When TOI contacted V-C RK Verma, he said he had no knowledge of any such complaint. “She treats me as a guardian. I do not have any idea about this,” Verma said. As per the complaint, she says she experienced ‘inappropriate conduct’ during a meeting with the V-C and her two subordinates on Nov 21, 2024. “The vicechancellor displayed unsuitable gestures towards me whilst instructing my subordinates,” the complaint says, adding that the incident was captured on CCTV. “Such behaviour towards a female officer is deeply distressing, highly inappropriate and unacceptable,” she says. The same evening, around 6pm, the V-C publicly made an ‘unfounded accusation’ against her regarding an exam date extension although he knew that another official was the coordinator, she alleges. 

She mentions another alleged incident on Oct 13, 2024, when a guest teacher made ‘inappropriate and baseless remarks’ regarding guest honorarium. “The vice-chancellor failed to address these inappropriate comments or provide clarification to guest teachers,” she alleged. She alleges that the V-C offered only verbal assurances while ‘protecting the perpetrators’, and that she was prevented from filing a complaint in Oct this year. She has attached WhatsApp group screenshots with the complaint.

HC orders DPharm seat for poor boy passing Class 12, sans Class 11

HC orders DPharm seat for poor boy passing Class 12, sans Class 11

Vaibhav.Ganjapure@timesofindia.com 12.12.2024

Nagpur : Bombay high court has directed Directorate of Technical Education to admit a20-yearold Class 12 passout to a diploma in pharmacy (DPharm) course after he was denied admission for bypassing Class 11 and enrolling directly on Class 12 science stre am through Form 17, a route legally available to private candidates. Despite scoring 61.67% in his Class 12, Amartya Meshram, a student from a poor family, was denied admission to DPharm for not completing Class 11 in a formal classroom setting. The Nagpur bench of justices stressed that Mesh ram’s educational qualification under the 10+2 system met the eligibility criteria. The court relied heavily on a 2014 Central govt notification, which allowed students with recognised 10+2 qualifications to apply for the pharmacy program, provided their schooling was not from non-formal setups like open schools.

HC relief for law students with low attendance

HC relief for law students with low attendance 

11.12.2024

Mumbai : Bombay High Court directed the Govt Law College to accept and evaluate the internal assessments of two final-year students being denied such assessment by the college on grounds of zero and low attendance. One student had zero attendance, and the other had 9%. They are pursuing a five-year BLS LLB course. 

The petitioners, through advocate Samaa Shah, contended that as per the Credit Based Evaluation System of Mumbai University, 60 marks are for written examinations, while 40 marks are for internal assessment. The internal assessment must be completed by Dec 16, 2024, said the HC division bench of Justices A S Chandurkar and Rajesh Patil after also hearing Anupama Pawar for GLC and Rui Rodrigues for Mumbai University, but clarified that it would be subject to the outcome of the writ petition. TNN

Now, MUHS moves to email question papers to exam centres to avoid leaks

Now, MUHS moves to email question papers to exam centres to avoid leaks

11.12.2024

Mumbai : The Maharashtra University of Health Sciences has decided to email its question papers directly to exam centres. In a bid to prevent any more mishaps of paper leakage, the varsity will implement the change immediately as per the decision taken in the Board of Examination meeting that took place on Tuesday. To date, MUHS was physically delivering question papers to every exam centre. However, fresh instructions have been released for the ongoing exam, and the new method of question paper delivery will be implemented for the three upcoming exams slated for Dec 11, 13, and 19. At least one question paper of the second-year final exam, Pharmacology 1, leaked, and the MUHS will hold a re-exam on Dec 19. After rumours of Pharmacology 2 surfaced, the university sent a fresh set of questions, and on Monday, the Pathology 2 questions were rumoured to have leaked, prompting a fresh question paper to be sent to exam centres.

UGC: CUET to help students break disciplinary barriers ‘It’s Time For Universities To Adopt Open-Minded Policies’

UGC: CUET to help students break disciplinary barriers ‘It’s Time For Universities To Adopt Open-Minded Policies’ 

Manash.Gohain@timesofindia.com 11.12.2024

New Delhi : M Jagadesh Kumar, chairperson, UGC while elaborating on the changes in CUETUG 2025, gave reasons for reverting back to computer-based test (CBT) following the controversies this year, reducing the number of subjects, making all questions compulsory, and standardising test durations for logistical efficiency as well as allowing students to appear for any subject irrespective of their class XII board subjects. 

● UGC is framing guidelines to allow students to pursue subjects at undergraduate level which they have not studied in school. Will CUET-UG allow candidates to appear in subjects they have not studied earlier? 

In CUET, students can write any subject paper independent of what they studied in school. For instance, an arts student can now pursue physics at the UG level if they acquire the necessary competency, even through self-learning. NEP 2020 encourages breaking disciplinary boundaries, and CUET enables this shift. Universities need to amend their ordinances and adopt open-minded policies. Some universities currently restrict admissions to students with prior school-level expertise in specific subjects, which contradicts NEP 2020’s ethos. Universities must facilitate interdisciplinary migration to truly benefit from CUET’s flexibility. 

● Will there be a limit on the number of subjects students can opt for in CUET-UG?

 For CUET-UG 2025, students can choose up to five subjects, down from six last year. Our data show most students select four subjects, so this change provides flexibility while making exam logistics smoother. This adjustment also allows us to allocate centres closer to students’ preferences. 

● What are the key changes planned for CUET-UG 2025? 

We are standardising the exam duration to 60 minutes for all papers, with each carrying 250 marks. Students will now answer all 40 questions, eliminating choices to ensure a fair and comprehensive evaluation. The shift to mandatory questions reduces bias caused by varying difficulty levels of optional questions. 

● What will be the format of the CUET-UG 2025? 

CUET-UG and PG will primarily use CBT, as recommended by Dr Radhakrishnan’s committee. CBT minimises risks like paper leaks and ensures greater reliability.

 ● What other changes are being introduced for CUET-UG? 

The medium of the exam will remain in 13 languages. However, for 20 less commonly chosen languages, including foreign and some Indian languages, we will use the General Aptitude Test for admissions. Additionally, six domain-specific subjects with low registrations— entrepreneurship, teaching aptitude, fashion studies, tourism, legal studies, and engineering graphics—will also shift to the aptitude test. These changes reduce the total papers from 63 to 37, streamlining logistics.

 ● When will the CUET-UG and PG schedules be announced? 

The schedules will likely be released in December. CUET-PG is planned for March 2025, while CUET-UG will follow the bo ard exams, likely in May.

 ● Delays in result announcements have been a concern… With the CBT format, result processing will be faster. However, certain steps, like response validation by subject experts, are essential to maintain accuracy. We aim to streamline these processes to minimise delays. 

● Do you anticipate more registrations in 2025? 

Last year saw 13.47 lakh registrations, and with more universities adopting CUET, we expect this number to rise.

 ● What role does coaching play in CUET-UG preparation?

 A. Minimal. Students who focus on their board exams perform well in CUET-UG, as its difficulty level is moderate. The feedback from students confirms this, emphasising the test’s accessibility. 

● What has been CUET’s biggest advantage and challenge so far? 

CUET ensures a level playing field by eliminating biases inherent in board evaluations and fostering diversity in universities. However, logistical challenges, like conducting the exam twice  a year or enabling on-demand testing, remain. With infrastructure growth, we hope to offer more flexible options in the future

SASTRA offers one-year free vocational training course with monthly stipend

SASTRA offers one-year free vocational training course with monthly stipend

The Hindu Bureau

THANJAVUR 11.12.2024

SASTRA, a deemed university, will offer a one-year free vocational training course. Persons who have cleared their 8th Standard annual examinations are eligible to join this course jointly organised by SASTRA and Shanmuga Precision Forgings with financial assistance from the Union Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.

The candidates would be provided training in C.N.C.Machine, forging, welding and desk top computing with monthly stipend of ₹5,000.

On completion of the course, a certificate would be issued by SASTRA.

Apart from stipend, lunch would be provided to the students free of cost.

Aspiring candidates can register their names before December 25 either by appearing in person at Shanmuga Precision Forgings in SASTRA Thirumalaisamudhram campus or by dialling 99949 67805 or 63837 55260, according to an official release.

Certificate Issued By Private University Based On Off-Campus Course Run By Its Franchisee Not Legally Valid: Madhya Pradesh High Court

Certificate Issued By Private University Based On Off-Campus Course Run By Its Franchisee Not Legally Valid: Madhya Pradesh High Court

Anukriti Mishra

5 Dec 2024 5:50 PM

The Madhya Pradesh High Court while dismissing a petition relating to recruitment for post of accountant held that any certificate issued by a private university on the basis of an off-campus course run by its franchisee cannot be said to be legally valid.

A single-judge bench of Justice Gurpal Singh Ahluwalia observed, “…since the Maharshi Mahesh Yogi Vedic Vishwavidyalaya, Madhya Pradesh was not entitled to run off-campus course through franchisee, therefore, any certificate issued by Maharshi Mahesh Yogi Vedic Vishwavidyalaya, Madhya Pradesh on the basis of off-campus course run by its franchisee cannot have any legal sanctity. Under these circumstances, this Court is of considered opinion that the Rajya Shiksha Kendra did not commit any mistake by declaring petitioners No.1 to 3 as disqualified for the post of Accountant.”

As per the factual matrix of the case, the petitioners had applied for post of Accountant through recruitment examination conducted by Professional Examination Board. However, the petitioners were declared disqualified through an order passed by the Commissioner, Rajya Shiksha Kendra, Bhopal. Thereafter, the present petition under Article 226 of the Constitution was preferred.

The minimum qualification of the said exam was: (i) Graduation Degree in Commerce with minimum 50% of marks; (ii) Diploma in Computer awarded by any University/Open University recognized by UGC or D.E.O.A.C.A. level of diploma or certificate regarding Modern Office Management issued by Govt. Polytechnic College.

The counsel for petitioners submitted that they had obtained Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Application (PGDCA) Course from Maharshi Mahesh Yogi Vedic Vishwavidyalaya, Madhya Pradesh and thus they are qualified for the post of Accountant. They were declared selected and were posted in District Morena in Block Sabalgarh, Porsa and Ambah. It was argued that petitioner No.1 was declared disqualified for having obtained PGDCA diploma from private college, by doing off campus course whereas petitioners No.2 and 3 were declared disqualified for having DCA Diploma from a private college by doing off campus course.

It was further submitted that since Maharshi Mahesh Yogi Vedic Vishwavidyalaya, Madhya Pradesh, is a recognized university having its territorial jurisdiction over entire State of M.P., therefore, rejection of PGDCA diploma course obtained from a franchisee of Maharshi Mahesh Yogi Vedic Vishwavidyalaya, Madhya Pradesh is bad in law.

On the contrary, the counsel for the respondents referring to a circular dated 09.08.2014 issued by University Grants Commission (UGC), submitted that no University whether Central, State, private or deemed, can offer its programmes through franchisee arrangement with private coaching institutions even for the purpose of conducting courses through distant mode. It was further submitted that the petitioners have obtained PGDCA/DCA courses by pursuing their studies in MY-0109: II TECH Institute, Gwalior, which is an off campus course run by franchisee of Maharshi Mahesh Yogi Vedic Vishwavidyalaya, Madhya Pradesh, therefore, it is not a recognized one.

The issue before the court was “whether private universities can run off campus courses through franchisees or not?”. To address the issue, the court referred to the UGC circular dated 09.08.2014 filed by respondents.

The court observed, “It is clear that adequate advertisement was given by UGC to all the persons who wanted to prosecute their PGDCA/DCA courses by informing them well in advance that any off-campus course done from a franchisee is not a recognized one.”

Thus, the court concluded that Maharshi Mahesh Yogi Vedic Vishwavidyalaya, Madhya Pradesh was not entitled to run off-campus course through franchisee, therefore, any certificate issued by the aforesaid college on the basis of off-campus course run by its franchisee cannot be said to be valid.

Accordingly, court affirmed the order passed by the Commissioner, Rajya Shiksha Kendra, Bhopal, thereby vacating the interim order through which the petitioners were continuing in service. Petition was hence, dismissed.

Case Title: Vinay Yadav And Others Versus The State Of Madhya Pradesh And Others, Writ Petition No. 5824 of 2017

No new nursing college in state during 2024-25 session: Govt to HC

No new nursing college in state during 2024-25 session: Govt to HC 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 08.12.2024 BHOPAL 

Bhopal/Jabalpur : The state govt informed a division bench of the MP High Court, which is hearing a petition seeking action against "fake" nursing colleges operating in large numbers in the state, that no new nursing colleges were allowed to open in the academic session 2024-25. Only the old colleges found eligible by the CBI were given recognition to operate. Meanwhile, the bench of Justice Sanjay Dwivedi and Justice AK Paliwal asked the state govt to present a report on the action taken against the registrar of the MP Nursing Council, Anita Chand, for irregularities committed by her before deferring the case for hearing to Dec 12. 

During the previous hearing of the case, the court ordered that all the eligible nursing and paramedical colleges in the state for the academic session 2024-25 would be affiliated with MP Medical University. The court also directed that the list and shortcomings found in the nursing colleges declared 'unfit' to operate by the CBI should be mentioned on the website of the MP Nursing Council. 

President of the Law Students' Union, Vishal Baghel, filed a PIL raising the issue of a large number of 'fake' nursing colleges operating in the state, particularly in the tribal areas, which do not have the requisite infrastructure or manpower to run the nursing courses. During the hearing of the petition, the high court ordered a probe by the CBI into the credentials of all the nursing colleges in the state and whether they have the requisite facilities to operate nursing courses. The CBI gave a clean chit to 169 nursing colleges, pointed out deficiencies in 74 but said they could be rectified, and found 65 nursing colleges unfit to operate. Later, the court constituted a threemember committee headed by a retired HC judge, Justice Rajendra Kumar Shrivastava, to examine whether the 74 nursing colleges, which the CBI found to have deficiencies 

In the meantime, some CBI officials involved in the probe were arrested by the CBI Delhi team on charges of demanding a bribe from proprietors of the nursing colleges to give their colleges a fitness certificate, thereby putting the probe and its outcome in question. .

TN students in a fix over UGC’s new rules for UG/PG

TN students in a fix over UGC’s new rules for UG/PG

Ragu.Raman@timesofindia.com 07.12.2024

Chennai : Class XII students in Tamil Nadu, where there are no entrance exams for UG/PG courses, are unlikely to be able to take advantage of University Grants Commission’s flexibility of joining any UG degree next year. Academics say TN should continue with the present policy of UG admissions based on Class XII board exam marks, fearing the draft UGC (Minimum Standards of Instructions in the Award of UG and PG Degrees) Regulations 2024 released on Thursday may lead to a decline in quality of degrees and create confusion. 

The draft rules allow any Class XII student to pursue any UG degree after clearing anational level or university level entrance test. It also includes multiple entry and exits in degree programmes, accelerated and extended degrees, and twice-a-year admission, among others. UGC has given time until Dec 23 for all stakeholders to give their feedback on its website. The All India Save Education Committee wants the new rules withdrawn. “Higher educational institutions lack infrastructure, classrooms, and teachers. Whatever discipline there is in the higher education system would be shattered. We demand the immediate withdrawal of these new regulations,” said Biswajit Mitra, treasurer. 

Some fear allowing a student to pursue 50% skill-related courses in UG programmes will create graduates without any deep knowledge. “It will also take away the importance of the core subject,” said S Suresh, secretary of the Tamil Nadu Govt Collegiate Teachers’Association. Admission twice a year will create confusion. Others suggest a bridge course along with the entrance test. Madras Christian College principal Paul Wilson said arts group students keen on taking up science course need a foundational course. “An entrance test alone will not be able to fill the learning gap.” Sastra University vicechancellor S Vaidhyasubramaniam said that while draft regulations provide scope for learner flexibility and multidisciplinary options, the idea of allowing two degrees at the

same time will affect learning outcomes. Madras University Teachers Association General Secretary C Murugan said providing multiple exit options may encourage more dropouts rather than reentry. “Flexibility for students as a broad idea is welcome. However, framing the rules requires careful thought.”

Draft UGC rules moot flexibility for students

Draft UGC rules moot flexibility for students 

Manash.Gohain@timesofindia.com 06.12.2024

New Delhi : Students from any stream in Class 12 can now pursue an UG programme of their choice, and UG students can join any PG discipline, provided they clear a nationalor universitylevel entrance exam, such as CUET, according to a draft of new UGC regulations aiming to bring sweeping reforms in India’s higher education.

UGC also proposes to offer biannual admissions, flexibility in minimum credit requirements to obtain a degree, and interdisciplinary learning opportunities through an option of pursuing two programmes simultaneously. The regulations released on Thursday for feedback and suggestions, will be applicable to central, state, private and deemed universities. These aim at dismantling the traditional disciplinary rigidities by allowing students to choose programmes outside their prior streams, provided they meet entrance exam requirements. 

Latest framework encourages recognition of prior learning 

Irrespective of the disciplines taken by a student in level 4/class 12 schooling, a student is eligible for admission in any discipline of UG programme, if the student qualifies the national level or university level entrance examination in the discipline of UG programme,” according to the regulations. UGC chairperson M Jagadesh Kumar said, "The draft UGC regulations, 2024, aim at transforming higher education by promoting flexibility, inclusivity, and adaptability. 

By  removing rigid disciplinary boundaries, students can now explore diverse learning opportunities, ensuring India's education system evolves to global standards." The latest framework also encourages mobility between vocational and general education, and recognition of prior learning — whereby students' professional experiences can translate into academic credits. Under these regulations, higher education institutions (HEIs) are authorised to conduct admissions twice a year — during July/Aug, and Jan/Feb. 

The draft further introduces options for multiple entry and exit points, allowing students to transition between academic levels with interim certifications such as diplomas or degrees, depending on their earned credits. Minimum of 50% of total credits must be earned in the student's chosen core subject to obtain a degree, while the remaining can be accumulated through multidisciplinary or skill-based courses. The reforms also redefine attendance norms, allowing HEIs to tailor minimum requirements based on the programme structure, in align ment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The focus on continuous formative assessment and flexibility in curriculum content reflects a commitment to fostering holistic and multidisciplinary education, the UGC said.

The regulations also have provisions for three or four year duration for UG degrees, with optional extensions under the extended degree programme or acceleration via the accelerated degree programme. For PG a two-year programme is standard, though graduates from four-year UG courses may qualify for a one year master's programme. The UGC has also acknowledged learning acquired through non-formal channels, introducing the recognition of prior learning provision. The regulations advocate for the integration of skilling, internships, and apprenticeships into UG and PG curricula. The credit-based structure aims at seamless transitions and interdisciplinary exploration, with the academic bank of credits serving as a centralised repository for credit storage and transfer across institutions.

UG, PG aspirants can seek admission in any discipline irrespective of subject previously studied: UGC

UG, PG aspirants can seek admission in any discipline irrespective of subject previously studied: UGC

The changes aim to set a new standard for the awarding of UG and PG degrees, ensuring that institutions can meet the diverse needs of today's students.

The UGC head office in New Delhi.File photo | PTI

Kavita Bajeli-Datt

Updated on:

05 Dec 2024, 4:15 pm

NEW DELHI: Twice a year admission, multiple entry and exit options, and greater flexibility for admission in any discipline of undergraduate programme or postgraduate are some of the standout aspects of the draft regulations announced on Thursday by the University Grants Commission (UGC).

The changes aim to set a new standard for the awarding of UG and PG degrees, ensuring that institutions can meet the diverse needs of today's students.

Speaking to The New Indian Express, UGC Chairman, Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar said, “The UGC Draft (Minimum Standards of Instructions in the Award of UG and PG Degrees) Regulations 2024 aims to transform higher education in India by introducing greater flexibility, removal of disciplinary regicide, inclusivity, and multidisciplinary learning opportunities for students.”

He said these regulations facilitate biannual admissions for higher education institutions (HEIs) if they are prepared to introduce them, allowing students to enrol twice yearly – in July/August and January/February.

"The regulations incorporate multiple entry and exit provisions, recognition of prior learning, and the flexibility to pursue two UG/PG programs simultaneously. We have also decoupled eligibility for UG and PG admissions from the rigid discipline-specific requirements of school education," he said.

Under these regulations, he added that students can choose to study in any program irrespective of their past disciplinary qualifications if they demonstrate competency by clearing the relevant entrance examinations.

He further said that recognizing the diverse learning modes promoted by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, these regulations provide autonomy to HEIs to determine student attendance requirements, ensuring they align with evolving academic needs.

Moreover, students will now have the option to earn 50% of their credits in their major discipline. In contrast, the remaining credits can be allocated to skill development, apprenticeships, or multidisciplinary subjects, fostering holistic development.

"With these reforms, we ensure that Indian higher education evolves to meet global standards while staying rooted in inclusivity and adaptability to diverse learner needs," he added.

The draft also states that irrespective of the disciplines taken by a student in class 12 or UG, a student is eligible for admission in any discipline of the UG programme or PG programme if the student qualifies for the National or university-level entrance examination in the discipline of the UG/PG programme.

Considering the diverse learning modes and holistic and multidisciplinary learning opportunities suggested by NEP 2020, HEIs shall decide on the minimum attendance requirement of students in different programmes with the approval of their statutory bodies.

An undergraduate degree lasts three or four years, and a postgraduate degree generally lasts one or two years.

However, the duration of an undergraduate degree can be shorter or longer. Key provisions of the Accelerated Degree Programme (ADP) and Extended Degree Programme (EDP) are applicable only at the undergraduate level.

HEIs can earmark up to 10% of sanctioned intake for ADP with no cap for EDP.

The HEI-constituted committee will evaluate a student's credit-completing potential based on their performance in the first or second semester and make recommendations.

Also, students shall have the option to choose ADP/EDP either at the end of the first semester or the second semester and not beyond that.

In the ADP/EDP, students will follow the same curriculum content and total credits prescribed for the programme for a standard duration. The only change will be in the duration of the programme.

The number of courses to be completed in each semester will be more or less according to the duration opted by the students, the draft said.

The ADP and EDP degrees will contain a self-contained note stating that the academic requirements required in a standard duration have been completed in a shortened or extended duration.

Students completing a four-year undergraduate degree (Hons./Hons. with Research) in relevant subjects (level 6, e.g. B.Sc. Hons. in Physics, B.Sc. Hons. in Biology, B.Sc. Hons. in Mathematics) and students completing a four-year undergraduate degree (level 6, e.g. B.E., B. Tech., etc.) shall be eligible for the 2-year/4 semester postgraduate programme (level 7, e.g. M.E., M.Tech. etc.), the draft stated.

The draft also said that if the HEIs fail to comply with the regulations, action will be taken.

In the first step, the Commission shall constitute an enquiry committee to investigate the violations. Suppose the Commission's enquiry committee establishes the violations, then in that case, the HEI shall be either debarred from participating in UGC schemes, debarred from offering degree programmes, or debarred from offering ODL and online mode programmes. They can also be removed from the list of HEIs maintained under Section 2(f) and 12B of UGC Act 1956.

Furthermore, UGC may take additional punitive actions per the Commission's decision on a case-to-case basis.

"Government departments, private organizations, and recruiting agencies like UPSC/State Service Commission, etc., should treat the degrees from ADP and EDP on par with degrees with standard duration," it added.

Man trying to get pilot training loses ₹7L to ‘academy manager’

Man trying to get pilot training loses ₹7L to ‘academy manager’ 

CLICKBAIT

Chaithanya.Swamy@timesofindia.com  05.12.2024

Bengaluru : A 23-year-old youth who wanted to get admission to a flying school for pilot training lost Rs 7 lakh after a man, claiming to be a manager at the academy, cheated him by receiving the money online. Nikhil (name changed), a resident of Wilson Garden, said in his complaint to Central CEN Crime police that he paid the money between June and July. The fraudster was identified as Amanjot Singh. Keen on joining pilot training, Nikhil searched for training schools on the internet in May and found the portal of Aviation Connectivity and Infrastructure Developers Private Limited (ACIDPL). Nikhil received a call from the number, 9958291444, on May 21 and the caller introduced himself as Amanjot Singh, a manager at Airtaxi Academy, an organ of ACIDPL. He shared details about the procedure for admission to the academy. Later, he contacted Nikhil from mobile number 9667541310 and told him about the fee structure and the instalments available for aspirants to gain admission. Singh told Nikhil that to book a seat in the academy, he should pay Rs 1 lakh as registration fee and the course fee would cost him around Rs 50 lakh. 

Singh claimed the academy was located in Hubballi. He later shared a bank account number, 428800311114, with Nikhil and asked him to make the payment. Nikhil made the online payment to this account number for registration. Singh then explained to him that he would be given the facility of paying the fee in installments for the course and provided another bank account number, 159667713108, asking him to make the payment of Rs 6 lakh as an instalment. Nikhil believed he was making payments to the academy and transferred Rs 6 lakh to the bank account number provided to him. However, after paying Rs 7lakh, Nikhil did not secure admission to the academy. Nikhil told police the academy is yet to receive approval from Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Therefore, the academy wanted to return the money to the aspirants but since Nikhil had paid the money to the bank accounts provided by Singh, he was not eligible for a refund. Nikhil waited until Nov 27 and lodged a complaint. A senior police officer said, “We have registered a case under the Information Technology Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) section 318 (cheating) against Singh, ACIDPL, and Airtaxi Academy.” When TOI contacted the academy, they did not comment

Man exposes markscard racket, edu academy owner in custody

Man exposes markscard racket, edu academy owner in custody

Chaithanya.Swamy@timesofindia.com

Bengaluru : A 46-year-old real estate dealer has exposed a fake markscard racket run by a distance education academy in Ramarao Layout of Katriguppe, Banashankari II Stage in south Bengaluru. Following his complaint, Central Crime Branch (CCB) sleuths have arrested Monish, 28, who runs the academy and are probing. Mirza Inamul Huq, a resident of Palace Guttahalli, approached CCB police recently, informing them about the racket run by Mercury Academy, Distance Education Centre. Huq’s nephew, Mirza Nameath Ul Huq, 28, who studied until class 10, wanted to continue his studies in correspondence (distance) education. They called the mobile number 9739770484 mentioned in the academy’s portal. Monish picked the call and introduced himself as the head of the academy. Monish claimed that they were affiliated with many reputed universities and suggested Huq visit the academy to know more.

Accordingly, Huq took his nephew to the academy on Oct 20 for PUC admission . Monish allegedly told Huq not to worry about the exam as they have links with the officials in the education board and universities. He would manage to get the markscard without exam in a month or two if they were ready to pay Rs 2 lakh. Certificate for Rs 2 lakh Huq asked him to get admission for Nameath, if not they didn’t want any kind of business with him and walked out. Monish called him the next morning and explained how their connections were with the universities and suggested he not waste his nephew's two years in making him appear for the exam. He also sent a few markscards as evidence to convince them that they were genuine and provided a link to Karnataka State Council of Intermediate And Higher Education ‘www.karnatakastatecouncil.in’ to check them by entering the enrolment number and serial number of the sample markscard sent to him.

He said the officials and universities would issue the markscard with a previous year's date and managed to convince Huq to share details of his nephew, including a photo and SSLC markscard. Huq made an online payment of Rs 10,000 to 9739770484 through a digital payment application on the same day as a registration fee. Monish claimed to have registered Nameath’s name and, citing course fee and bribe, collected Rs 1 lakh more from Huq. On Monday, Monish asked Huq to collect his nephew’s PUC markscard from the academy by paying the remaining amount.

Huq’s plan was to expose the racket with evidence. After learning that the markscard was ready, he approached CCB police and filed a complaint. As per the instructions, he went to the academy to collect the markscard, and the CCB sleuths in plainclothes caught Monish red-handed. Police seized many documents, including markscards and other students’ details from the academy, along with electronic devices such as laptop. A case has been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections 318 (cheating), 336 (forgery), and 340 (forged document or electronic record and using it as genuine).

PhD aspirants demand online availability status of guides

PhD aspirants demand online availability status of guides

Ardhra.Nair@timesofindia.com  26.11.2024

Pune : Citing difficulties in application process, PhD aspirants at Savitribai Phule Pune University have urged the vice-chancellor to ensure that all research guides publish their vacancy lists on the university website. Students, in a letter to the VC, said many potential guides failed to update their availability status, hampering their ability to apply before the Nov 30 deadline. Samadhan Dupargude, an aspirant for a PhD in Marathi, said, “Despite many professors having vacancies, the Marathi department has not uploaded the availability online. This forces students like me to apply in far-off affiliated colleges in Baramati or Nashik, which lack the facilities available at SPPU. 

Mayur Jawale, aspiring for a PhD in Hindi, said, “The number of guides has reduced due to a decline in professors, assistant professors, and associate professors. Additionally, applicants can only apply to one centre at a time. If multiple options were allowed, students can have better chan ces, if one centre has no vacancies,” said Jawale. Student rights activist Rahul Sasane criticised the compulsory biometric attendance requirement for research scholars. “Requiring attendance in colleges with minimal resources is impractical,” he said. 

A senior university official clarified that accepting PhD students is voluntary for professors. “UGC permits assistant professors to guide up to four PhD students, associates up to six, and professors up to eight. However, this is a maximum limit, not a mandate,” the official said. “Guiding students is a voluntary effort, and professors cannot be compelled to take on more students. Attendance requirements are mandatory only for fellowship recipients,” the official added. 

11/26/24, 11:14 AM Times of India ePaper pune - Read Today’s English News Paper Online https://epaper.indiatimes.com/timesepaper/publication-the-times-of-india,city-pune.cms 1/2 11/26/24, 11:14 AM Time

20. Advertising Vacancy In Newspaper Having Less Circulation Violates Fundamental Rights Of Prospective Candidates: Allahabad High Court

20. Advertising Vacancy In Newspaper Having Less Circulation Violates Fundamental Rights Of Prospective Candidates: Allahabad High Court

Case title - Ravi Pratap Mishra v. State of U.P. and others [SPECIAL APPEAL No. - 289 of 2022]

Citation: 2022 LiveLaw (AB) 287

The High Court observed that failure to properly advertise vacant posts is a violation of the fundamental right of the prospective/potential candidates and is also unfair to such candidates. The Bench of Chief Justice Rajesh Bindal and Justice J. J. Munir issued this order.

Essentially, one Ravi Pratap Mishra had moved before the single judge stating that he was appointed as a clerk in a school, however, Mishra the District Inspector Of School had refused to sanction his appointment as a clerk on the ground that the advertisement clerical recruitment had been published in a newspaper having less circulation in the concerned area.

6 MBBS candidates submit fake NRI certs; cancelled now

6 MBBS candidates submit fake NRI certs; cancelled now

Pushpa.Narayan@timesofindia.com  23/11/2024

Chennai : Six MBBS-aspirants under Non-Resident Indian (NRI) quota category had forged the embassy certificates, and three of them managed to get seats allotted in self-financing colleges, said the state selection committee which handles medical admissions. The MBBS seats allotted to the three candidates have been cancelled, and now these will be included in the seat matrix during the special stray vacancy round scheduled for next week, the committee announced on Friday. It said the candidature of all six candidates was cancelled after ‘genuinity verification’. The committee sought verification of documents submitted by candidates to the respective embassies/consulates. At least four of them – Canada, Dubai, Riyadh, and Jeddah – replied stating that the certificates of six candidates were fake. Officials from the embassies also sought an action taken report from the govt. 

“We will be initiating legal action against the candidates. Their applications have been decl ared invalid,” a senior official said. Replies from a few other embassies/consulates are still awaited. Up to 15% of the seats in self-financing medical colleges and private medical universities are set aside for the NRI quota. These seats are reserved for students with NRI/OCI/PIO status. 

To apply under this category, students must provide documents that show their parents or relatives (one of the eight categories, such as sibling, grandparent, uncle, or aunt) are living abroad. “While processing applications before the first round of MBBS admission, more than 100 applications were made ineligible. This was because the ‘relatives’ were not as per the specification, or documents were insufficient,” the official said. The committee later emailed documents, including embassy certificates, to the respective embassies for verification. “We started the counselling because we have limited time. Three out of the six candidates were granted seats in two medical colleges,” he said. 

Two candidates were accepted into Madha Medical College and Research Institute in Chennai, while one was placed  in Karpagam Faculty of Medical Sciences and Research in Coimbatore. All these allotments have now been cancelled. These three seats will be added to the seat matrix for the special round of counselling, scheduled to begin on Nov 25. This will take the total seat tally for the special stray round to 60 – one seat in Stanley Medical College, six seats NRI/NRI lapsed seats in self-financing colleges, three NRI admissions that were cancelled, and 50 additional seats to Annaii Medical College and Hospital.

AU clarifies stance on outsourcing recruitment

AU clarifies stance on outsourcing recruitment 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 23.11.2024 

Chennai : After facing backlash over a circular directing deans and department heads at Anna University to recruit temporary faculty members and non-teaching staff through outsourcing, the university has issued a revised circular saying only non-teaching staff would be recruited through outsourcing. A statement from the university on Friday claimed that the earlier circular was issued by mistake.

 “According to the resolution passed by the syndicate and finance committee, it was approved to recruit nonteaching faculty members through outsourcing. However, Anna University never took a decision to appoint faculty members through out sourcing,” Anna University registrar J Prakash said in a release. He said the mistake happened due to oversight while issuing the circular to the departments and university campuses. In a Nov 20 circular, Anna University had announced that new engagement of temporary teaching and non-teaching staff members on daily wages or consolidated pay should be done through a manpower agency only. 

The circular also said the authorities should be inforned about the surplus of temporary staff so that they may be allotted to other departments where there is a need for manpower. PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss welcomed the announcement of Anna Uni versity. He said the revised circular was a victory for the PMK, which had condemned the move to recruit temporary faculty through outsourcing. However, he said the university administration is trying to cover up the issue by stating the announcement of recruiting faculty members through outsourcing was just an error