UGC asks deemed to be universities to prevent using term 'University'

NEW DELHI: University Grant Commission has released a list of 127 Deemed to be Universities and directed them to refrain from using the word “University” along with their names.

“Instead, the institution may mention the word “Deemed to be University” within parenthesis suffixed thereto,” reads the UGC’s letter.

The letter further quoted “We must also put on record what we have observed during the course of the hearing and consideration of the present matters. It has come to our notice that many universities which are conferred the status of deemed to be universities are using the word “University” which in our view is opposed to the spirit of Section 123 of the UGC act.”

“No institution, whether a corporate body or not, other than a university established or incorporated by or under a Central Act, a Provincial Act or a State Act shall be entitled to have the word “University” associated with its name in any manner whatsoever,” adds the letter.

The commission has strictly advised not to use the term in any advertisements, email address, website, letterheads, website address, hoardings, etc. and reminded that non-compliance of the same will force the commission to take necessary action against the institutions.

UGC also highlighted that despite guidelines from Supreme Court and UGC, the deemed to be universities are making use of the term through one way or another.

Also read:

• Lockdown: UGC urges universities colleges to not force students to pay fee
• UGC gives green signal to pursue two degree programmes simultaneously