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

NEW DELHI: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has extended the deadline for comments, suggestions and feedback on UGC draft for setting up and operation of campuses of foreign higher educational institutions in India till February 20, 2023.

Previously, the last date for such submissions was February 3, 2023. However, upon requests from stakeholders. UGC has decided to extend the deadline. UGC has asked stakeholders to send their comments, suggestions and feedback to email- ugcforeigncollaboration@gmail.com.

Also Read | UGC’s foreign university campus policy ‘undermines Indian institutions’: Academics

According to an industry expert, the UGC guidelines for university allowing Indian campuses of foreign universities may not be a preferred choice for many who see foreign degrees as a stepping stone for migration to another country. Meanwhile, private university vice-chancellors say that this move can be seen as "healthy competition" and opportunity to elevate services, improve concepts.

Further, the DU teachers' body, Democratic Teachers' Front (DTF) said that the new UGC draft regulation is a "threat to Indian democracy," and asked students, parents and citizens to oppose the step that allows "explicit profit making in higher education." Such mixed reactions on this UGC policy further makes the feedback facility necessary to understand the opinions of the stakeholders and assess how this major policy will affect them.

The UGC draft regulations allows foreign universities in the top 500 in global rankings to set up campus in India along with permission to fully repatriate the profits earned to their parent institution in their home country “without any restrictions”.