Ministry of home affairs nod must for Chinese progs

New Delhi: The University Grants Commission (UGC), the higher education regulatory body,  has directed all educational institutions to secure the approval of the ministry of home affairs (MHA) and external affairs ministry before signing MoUs with Chinese educational institutions for student and faculty exchange programmes or to open a Chinese language centre.  The commission has sent letters to vice-chancellors of all universities in this regard.

A human resource development (HRD) ministry communication stated that those that have already signed memoranda of understanding with Chinese universities should not perform any activity under the agreement before obtaining the clearances.

“The HRD ministry has directed that in addition to other clearances, prior approval from ministry of home affairs and ministry of external affairs must be taken by all academic institutions and universities before signing MoUs, Educational Exchange Programme Agreements, Joint Declaration of Intent and Letter of Intent with Chinese educational institutions or universities,” a senior UGC official said.

“The universities, including private ones, which have already entered into MoUs with Chinese universities must seek clearance from the home ministry for operating the agreement and till a clearance is obtained, no activities should be performed under the MoU,” the official added.