Colleges lag in appointing ombudsman

Chennai: A majority of colleges have failed to follow the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) directive on appointing an ombudsman. It will now send a letter to all institutions, seeking an answer on the steps taken. “We cannot be protesting every day to get things done. If the government appoints an ombudsman, students can get their grievances redressed,” said

S. Vishal, a second year B.Sc (maths) student in a private arts and science college. The administrator of a private college said that there had been no proper communication from the university about this which was why they did not appoint an ombudsman.

Madras University Vice-Chancellor Prof. R.Thandavan said that the university had asked all colleges to appoint an ombudsman in their institutions and that it would take up the issue with the college managements immediately.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle on Friday, UGC vice-chairman Prof. H. Devaraj said that it was mandatory for all institutions across the country to appoint an ombudsman and that it would soon write to all universities and colleges to file their action taken report about this. “UGC views this issue seriously and we will recommend a neutral person to be appointed as ombudsman in colleges,” he said.