Updated:October 16, 2023, 7 months
UGC Mandate Discloser of Information: In a significant move aimed at enhancing transparency and accessibility in the country’s higher education sector, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a directive to all universities and higher education institutions to ensure the proper display of essential information on their official websites. The order comes in response to the UGC’s observation that many universities lack functional and updated websites, causing inconvenience and uncertainty to stakeholders, including prospective students, parents, research scholars, government officials, alumnus, and the public.
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Official Notice from UGC and Chairman’s Take
According to the official notice released by the UGC, universities are now mandated to provide detailed information related to admissions, fee structure, refund policies, academic programs, faculty details, and various other aspects crucial for students and other stakeholders. The move is in line with the spirit of the National Education Policy 2020 and aims to meet the evolving needs of the education system and its participants.
UGC Chairman M Jagadesh Kumar emphasized the necessity of this directive, stating that in the current digital age, stakeholders expect easy access to essential information about universities and higher education institutions. He stressed the importance of universities providing updated and relevant website content to avoid inconveniencing those seeking critical details.
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What are the New Guidelines for universities?
The directive outlines specific requirements for universities to follow. In terms of admissions and fees, universities must provide links to prospectuses and admission guidelines for international students (where applicable). Detailed fee structures for various programs and the institution’s refund policy must be mentioned. For academic-related information, universities must display academic programs, academic calendars, details of schools, departments, and centers, along with faculty profiles, including photographs. Additionally, basic information about the university’s library facilities should be made available at a glance.
Besides academic details, universities are also expected to provide information about scholarships, the ABC portal, student grievance redressal committees, anti-ragging cells, helpline numbers, alum networks, and job openings. This comprehensive approach offers a holistic view of the institution, fostering transparency and building stakeholder trust.
Appreciations all around for UGC’s Step
The UGC directive has been widely welcomed by education experts, students, and parents alike. It is a positive step towards ensuring that individuals seeking education and associated services can access vital information easily. The move aligns with the objectives of the NEP- 2020 and promotes the UGC’s vision of fostering a robust and inclusive higher education ecosystem in India.
Enhancement of Transparency in Larger Scheme of Things
Universities and higher education institutions have been urged to promptly comply with these guidelines, ensuring their websites become valuable resources for all stakeholders. As the nation celebrates the third year of the NEP- 2020, this directive marks a crucial stride towards creating a more informed and empowered society where education-related decisions can be made based on accurate and easily accessible information. The UGC’s efforts to enhance the quality of education and information dissemination are poised to contribute significantly to the growth and development of the country’s higher education sector.
