Distance Learning courses of 35 universities derecognised by UGC

The recognition of Distance Learning courses under 35 state universities has been cancelled by UGC which has cast a shadow of uncertainty on the future of lakhs of higher education aspirants. One month notice has been given to these universities to provide an explanation and seek reversal of UGC’s decision. The distance education bureau of UGC informed on Friday that recognition will not be given to any university which is not running same/similar courses for the past 5 years in regular mode. In case of professional courses such as MCA, BEd, hotel management, MBA and tourism, the UGC said the recognition to the universities will only be given if there is prior approval of the respective regulatory authority. The perusal of courses offered by deemed universities is under process. This shock wave for universities by UGC has feared them of cancellation and as a result, many universities have reduced the number of programmes offered as they weren’t complying the requirements. Mumbai University’s Institute of Distance and Open Learning (IDOL), Marathwada University, Mahatma Gandhi University and Shivaji University have lost their recognition making Maharashtra one of the most affected state. Furthermore, Yeshwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University can concede understudies just to just 17 of its 38 UG and PG programs in 2018-19. D Harichandan, director of Mumbai University’s IDOL, said,

“The expert committee had strongly recommended all our courses. We don’t know what happened after that. Mumbai University is an autonomous body and our courses are recognized by our academic council; who is the UGC to derecognise us?”

The reason for the cancellation of this recognition was their expired National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) accreditation which wasn’t renewed since April 2017. UGC had released a notice on February 6 providing a warning to the universities without NAAC accreditation to get accredited within 3 months or else they will not be given recognition.