The University Grants Commission (UGC) has released new draft rules streamlining the process for colleges to get recognition, taking the procedure online and replacing the existing rules in force since 2009, according to a notification issued by the higher education regulator on Wednesday.
The new draft regulations titled ‘University Grants Commission (Recognition of Colleges under clause (f) of Section 2 of the UGC Act) Regulations, 2023’ state that inclusion under the Act shall be “mandatory” for all the colleges, irrespective of whether a college has temporary or permanent affiliation to the university concerned.
According to the draft rules, the entire procedure from application to approval shall be done online within a stipulated period. So far, documents were being submitted in the offline mode as well.
“The college shall apply ‘online’ to the Commission on its web portal developed for this purpose along with the processing fee for recognition as may be decided by the Commission from time to time,” the draft stated.
UGC chairperson Prof M Jagadesh Kumar said that the new regulations are a significant step towards streamlining the affiliation process for colleges seeking recognition. “The proposed changes will introduce online procedures, reduce documentation, and define timelines, signifying the commitment to efficiency by UGC. The draft regulations aim to simplify the application and verification processes, ensure a quicker and more transparent pathway for colleges seeking UGC recognition under Section 2(f). UGC encourages stakeholders to provide valuable feedback and collectively help enhance the quality and accessibility of higher education in the country,” said Kumar.
Colleges are brought under the purview of UGC in terms of these regulations as and when the proposals are received from the colleges for inclusion under Section 2(f) and they are found fit for inclusion as per the provisions contained in the regulations.
Apart from the inclusion of colleges under Section 2(f), the UGC includes the colleges under Section 12(B) of its Act in terms of rules framed under it. This makes the colleges eligible for central assistance from the union government or any organisation receiving funds from the Centre.
The draft states that all existing colleges shall have to obtain UGC recognition under section 2(f) within three years from the date of notification of these regulations.
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