UGC asks HEIs to share libraries, labs, resources with UG, PG students of other colleges

NEW DELHI : The University Grants Commission (UGC) has asked higher educational institutions (HEIs) to take appropriate measures to implement the guidelines on optimal utilization of resources and allow undergraduate and postgraduate students of other colleges and universities to use their resources such as libraries, labs, equipment, etc.

“All the HEIs are requested to kindly take appropriate measures for the implementation of the UGC guidelines so as to extend the benefits to the UG/PG students and researchers,” said UGC in an official notification.

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The commission said that the government has been supporting the central universities as well as other HEIs in setting up infrastructural facilities and resources so as to improve the quality of research and development activities.

“Since continuous funding is required for the upkeep and maintenance of the infrastructural facilities, it has been felt that the HEIs should adopt measures to share their infrastructure with other HEIs for optimum use of the available resources by charging a nominal amount,” said UGC. It added that this additional revenue will not only make the resources available for the institutions in need but also help host universities to maintain their resources in a better manner.

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“For this, HEIs may allow their resources, like libraries, laboratories, equipment etc., to be shared/used during free time by students and researchers of other HEIs,” UGC further said.

The UGC guidelines on optimal utilization of resources talked about the process to sharing the resources including the determination of availability of resources, agreement for sharing, facilities to be shared, categorization of resources based on usage, setting up terms and conditions, cost analysis, timings, etc. “For optimum utilization of resources, the classrooms and laboratory facilities be opened at least from 8 am to 8 pm on all working days,” stated UGC guidelines.