Calcutta University among 157 universities yet to appoint ombudspersons; UGC issues defaulters list

NEW DELHI: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a new notice addressing the ongoing issue of universities failing to appoint ombudspersons as mandated by the UGC (Redressal of Grievances of Students) Regulations, 2023. This notice has been issued in continuation of an earlier public notice dated January 17, 2024, which comprised a list of universities that had not complied with these regulations.

In the latest update, the UGC has provided an updated list of non-compliant universities as of June 1, 2024. The UGC had earlier alerted these institutions about their non-compliance and requested them to appoint ombudspersons. Despite this, several universities are yet to take the necessary actions.

Importance of appointing ombudspersons

The UGC has earlier emphasized the importance of appointing ombudspersons to ensure that student grievances are addressed effectively and efficiently. Ombudspersons play a crucial role in maintaining transparency and accountability within higher education institutions, providing a formal mechanism for students to seek redressal of their grievances.

Notify UGC on ombudsperson appointments

The UGC's notice reiterates the urgency for defaulting universities to comply with the regulations. The commission has urged these institutions to appoint Ombudspersons without further delay and to communicate their appointments to the UGC through the appropriate email addresses provided based on the type of university:

• Central Universities should communicate at mssarma.ugc@nic.in

• State Universities should at smitabidani.ugc@nic.in

• Deemed to be Universities should reach out at monika.ugc@nic.in

• Private Universities should reach out at amol.ugc@nic.in

List of defaulting institutions

The list of defaulting institutions comprises 108 public universities, 2 deemed universities, and 47 private universities nationwide. Among the notable institutions mentioned are Calcutta University, Ranchi University, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, International Institute of Information Technolory (IIIT) Odisha, Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Annamalai University, Vidya Sagar University, along with several others from different states.