UGC derecognises distance education courses of Kerala and Calicut Universities
It had earlier made it clear that no university has the power to allow distance education centres outside its jurisdiction
KOZHIKODE: Jeopardising future of lakhs of students in the state, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has derecognised the distance education courses of both Kerala and Calicut Unive-rsities. Its order says three universities, including the two, are barred from conducting any distance education courses for the 2015-16 academic year.
The UGC took the decision after widespread allegations against private agencies running the centres outside the jurisdiction of universities.
It had earlier made it clear that no university has the power to allow distance education centres outside its jurisdiction.
In a circular for the student community, the UGC warned them against seeking distance education admissions in these universities.
They were asked to check the list of recognised universities published by the UGC before enrolling themselves.
The certificates from unrecognised universities are not valid. Calicut University registrar Dr Abdul Majeed said a syndicate meeting had been called to discuss the crisis and find a solution on September 11.
“We are bound to follow the rules and regulations. I believe that the order will be applicable only to new admissions,” he said, adding he was not empowered to talk about the policy decisions.
“I informed the VC about the current crisis, and we are trying to find a solution. We have already closed our centres in the Gulf.”
The university staff said the syndicates and vice-chancellors handled the issue irresponsibly and continued to flout UGC norms while allowing the centres in different parts of the country and abroad. Future of lakhs of students is at stake.
“Those who had enrolled for a three-year course will have no scope for continuing their studies this year. The case of Kerala University is even worse. They have 40 permanent teaching staff. Calicut University also has several non-teaching staff in this wing,” Dr Sivadasan, secretary of Association of Calicut University Teachers, told DC.
“This issue has been a huge controversy that even reached the court. However, the university administration ignored it. They still say they would try to save the centres in the Gulf through legislation.”