In a move prioritizing academic advancement over commercial interests, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued guidelines on March 6, allowing state private universities to establish off-campus centers within their respective states. This initiative aims to foster educational growth and accessibility while ensuring quality standards are maintained across campuses.
Modalities for Off-Campus Centers
Private universities can initiate off-campus centers under the UGC’s (Establishment of and Maintenance of Standards in Private Universities) Regulation, 2003. The recent approval of modalities on February 13, 2024, seeks to streamline the application process and enhance transparency for private universities intending to establish such centers.
Eligibility Criteria and Quality Assurance
To ensure consistency, private universities must adhere to certain criteria. They can open off-campus centers only if the State University Act, under which the university is established, permits. Additionally, newly established private universities, less than five years old, are ineligible to set up such centers. Maintaining the quality of infrastructure, faculty, and programs at par with the main campus is mandatory.
Affiliation and Takeover
Private universities now have the option to take over affiliated colleges operated by the same sponsoring trust or company. This marks a departure from previous regulations, allowing for a smoother transition. However, the university must obtain a no-objection certificate from the affiliating university to progressively close the affiliated college.
Program Approval and Expansion
Prior approval from the relevant statutory or regulatory body is required for starting specific programs in off-campus centers. Any expansion in terms of programs, departments, or seats necessitates approval from the statutory authority and the university’s academic or executive council. These approvals must be prominently displayed on the university’s website for transparency.
Regulatory Oversight and Compliance
Proposals to establish off-campus centers must be submitted to a standing committee for evaluation. Quarterly inspections by the UGC will ensure compliance, with the authority to shut down centers in case of violations. Students affected by closures will be relocated to the main campus. Additionally, private universities must either own or lease land for a minimum of 30 years to establish centers, with a processing fee of Rs 10 lakh charged by the UGC.
Alignment with Educational Policy
UGC Chairperson M Jagadesh Kumar emphasized that these guidelines reflect a structured approach to evaluating off-campus center applications by state private universities. This move is in line with the objectives outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, aimed at facilitating regulatory support and fostering the expansion of higher education.
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