Three months before University Grants Commission (UGC) had
issued a notice to 10 deemed universities, including prestigious ones like the
Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, for having off-centre campuses without
clearance. But now, it has amended it by allowing private deemed universities to have
six off-campuses.
Also, this rule applies only to private ones, those which
are established and managed by government do not fall under this rule.
An official further said that universities still would need
clearance from UGC and HRD ministry to set up six off campuses. It does not
change the nature of the UGC notice to the 10 deemed universities. These 10
deemed universities violated existing UGC regulations. BITS, Pilani filed
complaint against UGC in High court after it received notice for having
off-campus in Goa and Hyderabad.
UGC after approving the existence of Bhubaneshwar-based
National Institute of Science Education & Research, off-campus centre of
Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai has further diluted its case.
A senior official said that the HRD ministry was taken by
surprise when the notices were sent and UGC case has been weakened so
eventually these universities will get clearance.
UGC sent notices in November to Narsee Monjee Institute of
Management Studies University; Birla Institute of Technology & Science
(BITS) Pilani; Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra; Indian School of Mines,
Dhanbad; Banasthali University, Rajasthan; Ponnaiyah Ramajayam Institute of
Science and Technology, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu; Indian Veterinary Research
Institute (IVRI) Uttar Pradesh; Lakshmibai National University of Physical
Education (LNIPE), Gwalior; Tata Institute of Fundamental Research and Homi
Bhabha National Institute.
Tags: Ugc
