New Delhi: New draft regulations for deemed universities have been issued on 27 January this year by University Grants Commission (UGC). Both existing as well as new applicants are required to adhere themselves to these regulations. The regulations would bring these universities under effective control of the Government.
As per the new rules, institutes would have to fulfill definite criterion to be declared a deemed university. To qualify, the institutes must have at least five post-graduate academic departments and offer teaching programs at the Master’s or higher degree levels in such streams. Institutions affiliated to universities, which conduct only conventional degree like BA, BCom, BSc, MA, MCom and MSc will not qualify now for the status. The institutions must be in existence for a minimum period of ten years and have valid accreditation at the highest level by a competent authority. New regulations will ensure government control on admissions, fee structure, job recruitment, and curriculum in deemed universities.
An expert committee was appointed by the UGC in 2007 to find the shortcomings in the functioning of the deemed universities. The committee put up its report after studying the functioning of the universities for more than a year. The recommendations were accepted by the UGC on 27 January 2009 and sent to the Government of India for final approval.
In case of violations, the UGC would advise the Union Government to withdraw the status of deemed university from the concerned institute.
