No new programmes flouting rules

University Grants Commission asks private universities

New programmes for private universities would not be approved unless certain conditions of the Private University Act 2010 are fulfilled, University Grants Commission (UGC) sources said. If a private university applies for permission to start a number of programmes, the UGC would follow provisions of the Act. The sources said they have found that some authorities of private universities come to them for approval of new programmes when they get two or three students. In such cases, new programmes cannot be approved. The sources said they are strict in this regard, but the university authorities are now trying to get approval from the education ministry. They also said the UGC would report to the ministry what they would find in the field and there is no provision to seek approval for new programmes from the ministry.

The UGC would soon send letters to private universities, reminding them of certain conditions to be fulfilled for obtaining permission for starting new programmes.

The commission said it wants to bring about discipline in some of the private universities and ensure quality education.

The sources said if a private university does not have a vice-chancellor (VC), pro-vice chancellor and treasurer appointed by the President, who is also the Chancellor of all universities, it would not get any programme. At present, 14 universities do not have VC, pro-VC and treasurer, the sources said.

A university with a permanent campus will get one programme annually, while any university that has failed to move to a permanent campus within seven years as per law will not get any programme, the UGC said.

Entrepreneurs who are opening new universities will get approval for six programmes only. Earlier, permission used to be given for 20 to 40 programmes at one time.

UGC sources said they are taking such stern measures because there is need for quality teachers, proper laboratories and books before starting a new programme. The quality of education cannot be compromised at the tertiary level.

The sources also said Gono Bishwabidyalay recently sought permission for starting three new programmes, but it was not given as the university does not have a VC, pro-VC and treasurer appointed by the President. The programmes were Master of Sociology, Maser of Social Work and BSc Agriculture (Hons). Regarding the ground of the rejection of

the programmes, the UGC said no private university will get approval for any new programme if it does not have a VC, pro-VC and treasurer as per the decision of the authorities.

“We are not against private universities. We just want that they follow the Private University Act 2010 for opening new programmes,” UGC chairman Prof Abdul Mannan told The Independent on Thursday.

He also said that some private universities are

not trying to improve the standard of education. But this cannot be allowed to go on forever.

 

No new programmes flouting rules

University Grants Commission asks private universities

New programmes for private universities would not be approved unless certain conditions of the Private University Act 2010 are fulfilled, University Grants Commission (UGC) sources said. If a private university applies for permission to start a number of programmes, the UGC would follow provisions of the Act. The sources said they have found that some authorities of private universities come to them for approval of new programmes when they get two or three students. In such cases, new programmes cannot be approved. The sources said they are strict in this regard, but the university authorities are now trying to get approval from the education ministry. They also said the UGC would report to the ministry what they would find in the field and there is no provision to seek approval for new programmes from the ministry. The UGC would soon send letters to private universities, reminding them of certain conditions to be fulfilled for obtaining permission for starting new programmes. The commission said it wants to bring about discipline in some of the private universities and ensure quality education. The sources said if a private university does not have a vice-chancellor (VC), pro-vice chancellor and treasurer appointed by the President, who is also the Chancellor of all universities, it would not get any programme. At present, 14 universities do not have VC, pro-VC and treasurer, the sources said. A university with a permanent campus will get one programme annually, while any university that has failed to move to a permanent campus within seven years as per law will not get any programme, the UGC said. Entrepreneurs who are opening new universities will get approval for six programmes only. Earlier, permission used to be given for 20 to 40 programmes at one time. UGC sources said they are taking such stern measures because there is need for quality teachers, proper laboratories and books before starting a new programme. The quality of education cannot be compromised at the tertiary level. The sources also said Gono Bishwabidyalay recently sought permission for starting three new programmes, but it was not given as the university does not have a VC, pro-VC and treasurer appointed by the President. The programmes were Master of Sociology, Maser of Social Work and BSc Agriculture (Hons). Regarding the ground of the rejection of the programmes, the UGC said no private university will get approval for any new programme if it does not have a VC, pro-VC and treasurer as per the decision of the authorities. We are not against private universities. We just want that they follow the Private University Act 2010 for opening new programmes, UGC chairman Prof Abdul Mannan told The Independent on Thursday. He also said that some private universities are not trying to improve the standard of education. But this cannot be allowed to go on forever.