UGC grants graded autonomy to 8 central universities; Delhi University, HCU among them

NEW DELHI: The University Grants Commission (UGC) published a public notice revealing the list of Central Universities that have been granted graded autonomy under the University Grants Commission (Categorization of Universities for Grant of Graded Autonomy) Regulations, 2018. This move aims to provide institutions with greater administrative and academic independence in order to improve overall quality and performance.

A total of eight central institutions have been granted graded autonomy, divided into two groups: four universities in category I and four in category II. The institutions were granted autonomy following an intense evaluation process that included various factors such as academic performance, infrastructure, governance, and research output. This move is anticipated to open the pathway for a more flexible and adaptable higher education ecosystem in India, allowing universities to forge their own path to academic success and competitiveness worldwide.

The following universities have been given autonomy under category I:

• Central University of Rajasthan
• Central Sanskrit University, Janakpuri, New Delhi
• University of Delhi
• Central University of South Bihar

These universities will now enjoy a higher degree of autonomy in decision-making processes related to academic, administrative, and financial matters.

The following universities have been given autonomy within category II:

• University of Hyderabad
• Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Hyderabad
• Central University of Punjab
• Central University of Himachal Pradesh

Also read ‘Pay special attention towards fee refund of aggrieved students: UGC tells colleges, universities

UGC asked HEIs to refund fees of aggrieved students

UGC has asked the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to return fees for students who have transferred to other colleges and has warned that action would be taken if this is not done. The commission's reminder came after it received student complaints regarding the universities.

“UGC has been receiving several complaints regarding non-refund of fee against many Higher Educational Institutions (HEls). UGC has requested all the HEls vide mails and reminders to act on the complaints received from the students seeking a refund of fees paid to the Institutes after those students migrated to other Institutions,” the commission said in an official letter.