UGC declares Periyar University’s online distance education programmes invalid

NEW DELHI: After Annamalai University, the University Grants Commission (UGC) declared the online, distance learning (ODL) programmes offered by the Periyar University invalid. The UGC also warned students not to take admission at Periyar University.

The UGC notice read, “It has come to the notice of the Commission through various communications received in UGC office that Periyar University, Tamil Nadu is functioning without a full time Director, inadequate full time faculty, inadequate non-teaching staff, not yet established centre.”

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“Running ODL programmes without prior approval of UGC in gross violation of conditions laid down under UGC (Open and Distance Learning Regulations, 2077 , UGC (Open and Distance l,earning Programmes and Online Programmes) Regulations, 2O2O and its amendments from time to time,” it said.

“Taking admission in such programmes may jeopardise the career of the students, in view of the absence of recognition of the programmes by the UGC,” it added.

The UGC in its meeting held on February 12, 2022, had decided the following:

• No application of the Higher Educational Institute (HEI) shall be considered for the year 2O22-23 to 2023-24.
• The application submitted by the HEI for the year 2O2l-22 for offering ODL programmes are also not to be processed.
• The complaints received/violations noticed details shall be forwarded to Governor and the Secretary (HE), State Government for fact finding and needful actions in the matter.

In March, the UGC issued a similar notification for Annamalai University for violating UGC ODL regulation 2020. The commission had declared the ODL programmes offered by Annamalai University invalid after recognition to offer any programme through ODL mode was not accorded to it after the academic year 2014-15.