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.

‘Governor taking law into his own hands’

‘Governor taking law into his own hands’

Govi. Chezhiaan

The Hindu Bureau

CHENNAI 20.12.2024

The State government has followed the rules in constituting search committees to appoint eligible candidates as Vice-Chancellors (V-Cs) to State universities, Higher Education Minister Govi. Chezhiaan said in a statement on Thursday.

In response to a direction issued by Governor R.N. Ravi on Wednesday that the V-C search committee of Annamalai University should have a nominee of the University Grants Commission (UGC), the Minister alleged that the Governor was using his position as the Chancellor to suspend the legal proceedings, carried out as per the statutes of State universities.

Mr. Chezhiaan said the government was watching the Governor’s tendency to use his position as the Chancellor of State universities to take law into his own hands. The Governor had the authority only to recommend that the search committee be announced, but he cannot constitute a search committee on his own, he pointed out.

Mr. Ravi was functioning as a representative of the UGC, violating the statutes of the universities. In a six-page response, the Minister said that six of the 13 State-run universities were currently functioning without a V-C. As the tenure of the V-C of Bharathidasan University and Periyar University would end in February and May next year, search committees had been constituted for them as well, as per the university statutes, he added.

He further pointed out that though the UGC could make recommendations, the State government had the authority to take a decision on accepting them.

Rift unwarranted: PMK

PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss, in a statement on Thursday, urged the Tamil Nadu government to take immediate steps to expedite the proceedings of cases pending in the Supreme Court, which pertain to the appointment of V-Cs to State-run universities.

He said that the rift between the State and Governor R.N. Ravi was unwarranted when the V-C posts in six State-run universities had been lying vacant for several months.

Recall Annamalai univ VC search committee notification: Guv to TN

Recall Annamalai univ VC search committee notification: Guv to TN

 TIMES NEWS NETWORK 19.12.2024

Chennai : In what could escalate into another governor-govt face-off, Governor R N Ravi directed Tamil Nadu govt to recall the notification constituting a search committee to identify a candidate for the post of vice-chancellor of Annamalai University. The governor said the committee does not include a nominee of the University Grants Commission (UGC) as per the direction of the Supreme Court. A release from Raj Bhavan on Wednesday said the governor, who is also the Annamalai University chancellor, had constituted a search committee to identify a candidate for the post of vicechancellor. This search committee included nominees of the chancellor, the state govt, the university’s syndicate and the UGC chairman as per provisions of the Annamalai University Act and UGC’s 2018 regulations. The SC made this mandatory for constitution of the search committee. 

In a letter dated Oct 25, the governor-chancellor had directed the state govt to notify the constitution of the search committee, consisting of four members with the governor-chancellor’s nominee as the committee’s convener. The higher education department issued a govt order dated Dec 9, notifying the search committee. The notification, however, excluded the UGC chairman’s nominee in violation of the judgments of the SC, said the release. It pointed out the SC had already ruled any appointment of vice-chancellor made on the recommendation of a search committee constituted contrary to the provisions of the UGC regulations shall be “void ab initio” (having no legal effect from inception). “The notification issued by the govt is in difference to the search committee constituted and is void ab initio, contrary to the existing UGC regulations and prevailing orders of SC. The chancellor called upon the TN govt to recall the said notification, and directed to notify the search committee for appointment of the vice-chancellor of Annamalai University as constituted by the chancellor, which includes the UGC chairman’s nominee,” said the release

Will EWS students securing NRI and mgmt quota seats create a level playing field

Will EWS students securing NRI and mgmt quota seats create a level playing field

Rajlakshmi.Ghosh@timesofindia.com 16.12.2024

NEET PG admissions have sparked debates about fairness as some students from the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) are obtaining management and NRI quota seats in medical colleges. . , requiring them to pay course fees amounting to crores of rupees. However, experts argue that their admissions could be valid considering both Management and NRI quota seats fall under the unreserved category and are open to students from every stratum. Since EWS candidates are those who belong to families with an annual income of less than Rs 8 lakh, there is a murmur on how such candidates can pay a sizeable sum running into crores for their three-year PG degree course. 

Providing clarity 

Clearing doubts about the issue, a senior faculty from a medical college in Delhi-NCR, explains, “As per the norms, both management and NRI quota seats come under the unreserved category, hence these seats are open to EWS candidates, including those from the SC/ST categories, as per merit and choice. The problem arises when candidates claim to be from the EWS category during the application form-filling and later, at the time of reporting for counselling, opt for the NRI/management quota seats where the course fees are high. In such instances, a candidate's EWS certificate has no relevance. If aspirants are raising ethical concerns, they should take it up on a case-to-case basis with the college authorities offering admissions and the relevant administrative bodies, in this case, it is the tehsildar of the respective states that issues the EWS certificate. after the necessary verifications.”

 As per a media report, over 24,600 PG medical seats were allotted in the first round announced on November 20. Of these, 135 management quota seats in the private medical colleges and 8 NRI seats were allotted to candidates registered as EWS in clinical specialties of private medical colleges for which they need to pay tuition fees that could range anywhere between Rs 25 lakh to Rs 90 lakh per annum. It is important to note that the verification of credentials for students applying under the EWS category is typically handled at the state level or by individual colleges rather than directly by the NMC. The recent developments have generated concern regarding the mismatch in the admission process. Many aspiring medical students feel that those who may have wrongfully taken advantage of the EWS classification are undermining the opportunities meant for genuinely disadvantaged individuals.

Private medical colleges often prioritize profit generation, and management and NRI quota seats can command significantly higher fees than government quotas. This financial incentive may lead colleges to overlook regulations on EWS certification,” says Dr B Unnikrishnan, dean, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, MAHE.

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.

Periyar University notificationfor Registrar, CoE posts differs from UGC norms: faculty, TNGCTA

Periyar University notificationfor Registrar, CoE posts differs from UGC norms: faculty, TNGCTA

It has been alleged that to prevent college teachers from applying for these posts, Periyar University issued a notification against the UGCrules. 

Faculty members allege that to appoint people who are close to the University administration, it has provided these norms to fill the posts; however, officials attached to the administration say that the notification was issued as per rule

M. Sabari  Salem 12.12.2024 

Faculty members of Periyar University and the Tamil Nadu Government Collegiate Teachers Association (TNGCTA) alleged that the notification issued by Periyar University for filling the posts of Registrar and Controller of Examinations (CoE) differs from the University Grants Commission (UGC) norms.

In the notification dated November 26, Periyar University invited applications for the posts of Registrar and CoE and prescribed qualifications as an academician not lower in the rank than that of a professor of a college/university. The age should have completed 55, but not more than 57 as on December 1, 2024 and should have a minimum total teaching experience of 20 years involving teaching/research or administrative responsibilities. The university asked to submit the application on or before December 16, 4 p.m. TNGCTA general secretary S. Suresh said that in the guidelines issued by the UGC on December 12, 2008, it said that for the posts of Registrar and CoE, the candidate should have at least 15 years of service as an assistant professor or eight years of service as an associate professor. All the universities had been following these UGC guidelines.

Guidelines

The Madurai Kamaraj University, in its notification dated December 7, 2024, for filling the posts of Registrar and CoE, followed these UGC guidelines. But the Periyar University notification differs from the UGC guidelines and asks only professors to apply for these posts.

To prevent college teachers from applying for these posts, Periyar University issued a notification against the UGC rules. The Tamil Nadu government should look into the issue and take steps to cancel the notification issued by the Periyar University administration, Mr. Suresh added.

Periyar University faculty members alleged that to appoint people who are close to the University administration, the University allegedly provided these norms to fill the posts.

Officials attached to the Periyar University administration said that the notification was issued as per rule, and in the past also, while the notification was issued by the university, this same set of norms was followed.

Periyar University Vice-Chancellor R. Jagannathan is not available for comments.

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

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

UGC/AICTE Retirement Age Regulations Not Binding On State University-Affiliated Institutions Without State Adoption : Supreme Court

UGC/AICTE Retirement Age Regulations Not Binding On State University-Affiliated Institutions Without State Adoption : Supreme Court

Yash Mittal

7 Dec 2024 3:14 PM

The Supreme Court on Friday (Dec. 6) held that amended UGC or AICTE regulations raising the retirement age to 65 years do not apply to institutions affiliated to State Universities where the State Government opts not to adopt those regulations. Such institutions must follow the retirement age followed in the State.

The bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Prasanna B. Varale heard the civil appeal filed by one P.J. Dharmaraj who was initially appointed as Lecturer, and Reader in Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (“JNTU”) and subsequently retired from the position of Director of Church of South India Institute of Technology (“CSIIT”) affiliated to JNTU, Telangana.

Two days after his retirement at the age of 60 years, the AICTE and UGC issued amended regulations, wherein the age of retirement was revised up to sixty-five years of age. Therefore the appellant claimed that the same benefit should be extended to him.

On the contrary, the Respondents argued that the appellant cannot claim the benefit of the amended age of retirement because the subsequent amendment to the UGC regulations has not been adopted by the State of Telangana and the revised age of sixty-five years for superannuation does not prevail as the norm in the State and in the JNTU with which CSIIT is affiliated.

Upon hearing the parties at length, Justice Nath in the judgment observed that when the age of retirement of teachers was fixed at 60 years then the appellant cannot be given a special treatment to consider his age of retirement at 65 years.

“The regulations governing the age of superannuation throughout the State, the JNT University and its affiliated colleges including CSIIT is sixty years of age and therefore, when the teachers of JNT University are only to continue up to the age of sixty years, the Appellant cannot be given special consideration. CSIIT is an affiliated Institute of JNT University. Its teachers cannot have their age of retirement more than that of the teachers of the affiliating University. It would create a serious anomaly, discrimination and inequality. If the State Government itself has not adopted the amended regulations, the same cannot be applicable to the CSIIT. Even CSIIT has not determined the age of retirement of teachers to be 65 years.”, the court observed.

Further, the Court found that the appellant worked only in an administrative position and was not able to prove that he discharged the teaching services before becoming Director, CSIIT. Therefore, the UGC or AICTE regulation would not apply to the appellant, as those regulations only applies to those who qualify as teachers and are discharging classroom teaching duties.

“Any other way, the Appellant is not a teacher and was only involved in administrative work with CSIIT. The Appellant has not led any evidence until now to prove that he qualifies as a teacher after becoming Director. AICTE and UGC regulations are applicable only to those who qualify as teachers and are discharging classroom teaching duties.”, the court said.

Accordingly, the appeal was dismissed.

Case Title: P.J. DHARMARAJ VERSUS CHURCH OF SOUTH INDIA & ORS.

Citation : 2024 LiveLaw (SC) 958

NEP: Varsities get 3 months to enable credit transfers

NEP: Varsities get 3 months to enable credit transfers 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 07.12.2024

Ahmedabad : It has been four years since the National Education Policy 2020 was approved by the Union cabinet, yet state universities have failed to completely implement it. The policy’s core focus on student credit transfer remains largely unrealized, particularly affecting students moving between universities within the state. 

At a recent meeting, state education department officials and vice chancellors of the state’s public universities addressed crucial aspects, including credit transfer mechanisms, multiple entry-exit options and swift policy implementation. The department issued directives to develop a comprehensive roadmap within three months. This new education policy, introduced after a 34-year gap, stresses key aspects such as opportunities, accountability, inclusive education and excellence. Despite its launch, implementation issues persist across various public universities. During the meeting, officials stressed immediate policy execution, with vice chancellors being asked to achieve 50% gross enrolment ratio in higher education by 2035. 

The department will also hold quarterly review meetings to monitor progress in the implementation of NEP 2020. It also ordered VCs to set up objectives and submit detailed implementation strategies at the next quarterly meeting. The policy’s provisions for multiple entry-exit points remain largely theoretical, with most universities failing to establish practical systems. Other issues include insufficient internship arrangements. Universities were told to adopt modern technologies, including AI, and move away from traditional practices. Sources said that govt data reveals that while 8 lakh Indian students pursue education abroad annually, India attracts only 45,000 international students. The policy addresses this imbalance by inviting the world’s top 100 universities to set up campuses in India. 

The VCs of state universities were also instructed to create and upload Academic Credit Bank data to DigiLocker. Currently, only a few institutions like GTU and Gujarat University have

completed this requirement. Additionally, plans were discussed to integrate all universities into a unified platform like the Gujarat Common Admission Service (GCAS).

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.

TN forms panel to revise block grant to 10 state univs

TN forms panel to revise block grant to 10 state univs

Ragu.Raman@timesofindia.com 04.12.2024

Chennai : In a first step to revive financially struggling state universities, the state higher education department formed a seven-member committee to revise block grant to 10 state universities, including the University of Madras and Madurai Kamaraj University. Block grant is the funding from the state govt to all state universities to cover the salary of the sanctioned posts by the govt. Many state universities are struggling to pay salaries and pensions to their staff and retired staff members due to insufficient funds. 

The committee, headed by secretary (expenditure), will include the commissioner of technical education, commissioner of collegiate education, additional secretary (finance), deputy secretary (universities) of the higher education department, director-general of audit or his representative, and member-secretary of Tamil Nadu State Council for Higher Education as members. The committee was given three months to determine the revision of block grants from 2025-26. “They will consider staff strength (teaching, non-teaching) sanctioned by govt, income and expenditure trend analysis, net deficit, scale of pay recommended by state pay commission and University Grants Commission and norms on faculty-students ratio,” a govt order issued by higher education secretary K Gopal said. 

“Though govt is not obliged to fund for salary or pension of the university suggesting a framework for sustenance of the universities,” the order added. The committee constituted by the State Planning Commission to evaluate the financial position of state universities recommended revising the block grant once in five years for all state universities. The block grant was previously revised in 2015-16. “The state universities are burdened by pension liabilities. The corpus fund of the University of Madras is not even able to cover 50% of pension liabilities. Other universities like Madurai Kamaraj University are also facing the same problem,” said P Duraisamy, former vice-chancellor of Madras University. “This move may help to resolve the financial crisis to some extent. 

However, they have to form a committee to resolve financial issues of state universities and suggest alternative ways for generating revenue,” he added. The order also asked all registrars of state universities to submit the details for fixing the block grant. State govt is not giving block grant to Anna University and Tamil Nadu Teacher Education University citing surplus revenue. Professors from Anna University said the university’s revenue declined following the decision to give all pass to students who had arrears. “The university used to generate ₹400 crore by conducting arrear exams. Without compensating for the revenue loss, the state govt declared all pass during 2020. We will also meet the fate of other universities if state govt does not give block grants,” said a professor of the university .

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

HC upholds decision cancelling registrar’s appointment in univ

HC upholds decision cancelling registrar’s appointment in univ 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK  BHOPAL 
26.11.2024 

Bhopal : A division bench of the MP high court upheld the decision of the executive council of Harisingh Gaur Central University, Sagar, to cancel the appointment of Dr Ratan Kumar Pradhan as registrar of the university over inadequate academic experience required for the post. This decision set aside the order of the single-judge bench, which quashed the executive council's order. 

The vicechancellor of the university had appealed against the single bench order. Hearing the appeal, the bench of Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva and Justice Vinay Saraf stated that the grounds on which Dr Pradhan's appointment was cancelled were genuine. This was because he did not have the adequate academic experience required for the post as advertised. The Vice-Chancellor of the university, in his appeal against the single bench order, mentioned that Dr Ranjan Kumar Pradhan applied online for the post of registrar on March 15, 2022. The executive council of the university, on the recommendation of the selection committee, issued an order for his appointment on Dec 29, 2022. 

After his selection, he quit his post at DRT Guwahati and applied for VRS from Niti Ayog. However, he could not join as registrar by the last date of joining. Meanwhile, based on information received from Niti Ayog and DRT Guwahati, a show cause notice was issued to Dr Pradhan, stating that he did not have the requisite qualifications for the post of registrar. Dr Pradhan had moved the HC against the order

‘Appointments in architecture dept violate UGC, COA rules’

‘Appointments in architecture dept violate UGC, COA rules’ 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 25.11.2024 

Vadodara : Prof Satish Pathak of M S University has filed a complaint with chief minister Bhupendra Patel against university vicechancellor Prof Vijay Kumar Srivastava. Pathak has alleged that Srivastava appointed five persons as “professors of practice” in the architecture department by violating statutory provisions. Pathak stated that the appointments violate the guidelines of the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Council of Architecture (COA). 

The architecture department is part of MSU’s Faculty of Technology and Engineering (FTE). The department of architecture, like architecture colleges in the country, is regulated by COA. “Like the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) is the regulatory body when it comes to technology and engineering colleges, COA is the regulatory body for architecture colleges. Currently, COA has no provision on the appointment of professors of practice,” he stated in his complaint.

The complaint also states that according to the UGC norms, the number of professors of practice in a higher education institute, at any point in time, should not exceed 10% of the posts sanctioned in the institute. “When it comes to the department of architecture, there are 17 sanctioned posts. These include three posts of professors, six posts of associate professors, and eight posts of assistant professors. Against this sanctioned strength, only one in the form of the current head of department is filled while another teacher retired two years ago. This leaves 16 posts vacant,” he said. “So, appointing five ‘professors of practice’ is not just a violation of the COA provisions but also a violation of UGC guidelines.” Pathak alleged that these appointments were done while cutting short the number of temporary  teaching positions, some of whom were teaching in the department for a long time. He demanded a thorough inquiry into the appointments.

B’luru’s private universities open door wider for foreign faculty

B’luru’s private universities open door wider for foreign faculty

SruthySusan.Ullas@timesofindia.com 22.11.2024 

Bengaluru : Private universities in the city are on a recruitment spree for foreign faculty. In their attempt at internationalisation, many are hiring people from other countries, mostly as guest faculty, even while they aspire for full-time recruitment. Alliance University, which currently has two fulltime international faculty members and 42 visiting ones a year, plans to recruit 20 such faculty members in the near future. 

The initiative is to “enhance academic excellence and foster a globally diverse learning environment”, the university said. “Job postings have been published on platforms such as LinkedIn and UniJobs to reach a wide and relevant audience,” said Jyothsna Pais, deputy director (HR), Alliance University. Dayananda Sagar University doesn’t have full-time faculty but currently invites foreign professors for a shorter period of 15-30 days. The university, which currently has around 15 such faculty members a year, also plans to start recruiting them full time. Presidency University, which has regularly hosted 20 international visiting faculty members so far, is looking at making full-time recruitments for the coming academic year. While recruitments are smooth, thanks to international collaborations and a dedicated Office of International Affairs, visa processing and administrative formalities can sometimes pose challenges that require careful navigation, said Sivaperumal S, dean (academics) and director of International Affairs, Presidency University. 

“We call them for a shor ter period because bringing foreign faculty from developed nations for a longer period is much more expensive. We, on the other hand, are charging a mid-range fee (on students). Even while we intend to recruit full time, compensation is a challenge. There are those who are ready to come to India for a lower salary, as everyone sees India as one big opportunity. But then, you have to know them personally to recruit them,” said a private university recruiter. Service mindset  Established universities have full-time faculty members. Christ (deemed to be) University has 13 full-time faculty members from the US, Australia, Russia, South Korea, Italy, among others, teaching Western classical music, the atre, Korean language, and international studies. “We hardly find candidates with a PhD in Western classical music in India. Similarly, many major schools of theatre are from Russia and the US,” said registrar Anil Pinto. 

“They come with a service mindset. They have a sense of giving back. Many of them come through personal networks or walkins. They look for a sense of security and clarity on the kind of institution they belong to.” Some of the universities take the help of consultants to hire faculty from abroad. “The association of foreign nationals with private universities is mainly in the form of guest faculty. Hiring foreign faculty as regular staff is still a distant reality, although with growing collaborations, many private universities have started paying attention to it. That said, many private universities are intensifying efforts to hire faculty from Europe, the UK, and the US. We’ve been approached by a few Bengaluru-based universities to hire foreign faculty from Europe, Latin America, and Australia. The requirements are specifically in the emerging areas of AI, ML, and management,” said Kalpesh Banker, managing partner, EduShine Search Partners, a recruitment firm specialising in the higher education sector.