UGC extends deadline for feedback on regulations for foreign university campuses in India

NEW DELHI: The University Grants Commission (UGC) extends last date for comments, suggestions and feedback for UGC draft regulations for setting up foreign university campuses in India till February 3, 2023.

The commission requests stakeholders to send their feedback and suggestions for the draft at ugcforeigncollaboration@gmail.com. "In view of the requests being received from the stakeholders to extend the last date for submitting comments/suggestions/feedback on the aforesaid draft Regulations, the last date for receiving comments on the draft regulations is hereby extended to 3rd February 2023," read the UGC latest notification.

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The new draft of foreign universities in India gets mixed reactions from the stakeholders as academics and industry holders have dividing opinions on the regulations. Some experts say that the UGC guidelines for university allowing Indian campuses of foreign universities may not be a preferred choice for many who see foreign degrees also as a stepping stone for migration to another country.

Academicians state that the policy "undermines Indian institutions" while private university vice-chancellors say treat the change as healthy competition and opportunity to elevate services, improve concepts

The regulations allows foreign universities in the top 500 in global rankings to set up campuses in India and permits such campuses to fully repatriate the profits earned to their parent institution in their home country “without any restrictions”.

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The universities will be required to to apply on UGC’s online portal with a non-refundable processing fee to set up an Indian campus. The applications will be reviewed by a committee constitute to check the credibility of the institution within 45 days of the day the application is filed.

The Delhi University teacher's body, Democratic Teachers' Front (DTF) said that this move is a "threat to Indian democracy," and that this move would lead to increase in cost of education.