UGC asks universities to put banners, publish info on websites about student grievance regulations

NEW DELHI: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has asked universities to place informative banners in prominent locations throughout the campus, as well as on the campuses of affiliated colleges and publish details on websites and bulletins about the Student Grievances Regulations, 2023.

UGC chairman Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar discussed the implementation of the regulations with the ombudspersons of the universities in a virtual meeting on February 5, 2024. During the meeting, the need to increase awareness about the guidelines among students came up.

“During the discussion, it emerged that there is a need to increase awareness among students about the provisions made by universities for the implementation of UGC Student Grievances Regulations, 2023. Additionally, it was suggested that there should be periodic meetings of the Vice-Chancellor and the Ombudsperson(s) to review the implementation of the Regulations, 2023,” said UGC secretary in a letter to the vice-chancellors of the universities.

The meeting emphasized the importance of regular communication and review. Universities have been advised to hold six-monthly meetings between the ombudspersons and students at the start of each semester. This will facilitate open dialogue, address concerns effectively, and ensure the regulations function as intended.

The commission recently released a list of universities which had not appointed ombudspersons and asked them to appoint one. 412 universities were among the list of defaulters.

In April last year, UGC had asked the universities to form a committee for redressal of student grievances and appoint ombudspersons who will help students with issues on exam, fee, campus harassment, and others.