UGC invites suggestions on draft amendments to ODL, online programmes regulations

NEW DELHI: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has invited feedback from stakeholders on draft amendments to regulations of open distance learning (ODL) and online programmes for promoting ODL and online education. The stakeholders can send their comments or feedback by March 15.

According to the amendments made by UGC, now the National Assessment Accreditation Council (NAAC) and National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) ranking requirements will be valid for the next three academic years. Earlier it was valid only for 2020-21 only.

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“Provided that the NAAC and NIRF Ranking requirements shall be valid for next three academic years, that is, 2021-2022, 2022-2023, 2023-2024. Thereafter shall be reviewed by the Commission for the academic session 2024-2025(session beginning July 2024) and onwards,” said the UGC amendment draft.

“Keeping in view National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 recommendation to have Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) of 50% by 2035 and to further promote ODL and online education, UGC constituted an expert committee to review existing ODL and online regulatory framework while ensuring quality, driven by simplified recognition system and processes,” said UGC in an official notification.

The Commission has accepted the report of the committee in its 555th meeting held on February 12. The stakeholders can check draft amendments on the website - deb.ugc.ac.in. The Commission asked the stakeholders to send their feedback at deb.ugc.ac.in by March 15.

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The objective of the consultation process is to ensure an inclusive, participatory, and holistic approach to simplify ODL and online regulatory framework while ensuring quality and ease of imparting online education in the country, the Commission added.

Meanwhile, former vice-chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC) Bhushan Patwardhan has been appointed as chairperson of the executive committee of the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC).