The University Grants Commission (UGC) has given clarification on reports of de-recognition of distance learning courses of as many as 35 universities. The UGC clarified that process of recognition of Distance Education programmes of universities for the year 2018-19 and onwards is still on and so far no open course of applicant universities has been de-recognised and it also said that recognition is a programme-specific process, not university-specific.
The UGC notice issued on 12 August states that the programmes complying to provisions of UGC (Open and Distance Learning) Regulations, 2017 and its amendments get recognition in the first stage. For the programmes found deficient, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) can submit representations within 30 days along with documentary evidence for consideration for recognition in the second stage. Thereafter, if the Programmes are still deficient, HEIs have an appeal option.
It was reported earlier that UGC has cancelled recognition of open and distance learning courses offered in MBA, MCA, B.Ed, M.Ed, hotel management courses by 35 state and central universities in India. The institutes derecognised by UGC have been given 30 days time to submit their explanation to seek reversal of the decision. The decision has put the future of lakhs of higher education aspirants in across the country in uncertainty.