UGC issues modalities for private universities to establish off-campus centres

NEW DELHI: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has laid out a framework for state private universities to establish off-campus centres with regulator and state government's approval. So far, the country's private universities have been denied permission to establish off-campus centres in other states.

The state private university will be charged a processing fee of Rs 10 lakhs (one time) for establishing an off-campus centre, and any further increases in the processing fees will be determined by the UGC from time to time.

Provision for opening off-campus centres in State University Act

According to the UGC guidelines, universities may start off-campus centres, if they meet some criteria including that there is a provision for creating off-campus centres under the specific State University Act. The university should also have completed at least five years following the start of its academic activities or programmes at its main campus.

Accreditation by appropriate accrediting agency

The UGC must recognise the state private university's compliance with respect to the fulfilment of requirements in terms of programmes, faculty, infrastructure, financial sustainability, and so on. The state private university should also have the accreditation by the appropriate accrediting agency.

The infrastructure, faculty, and other facilities at the proposed off-campus centre must comply with the norms and requirements prescribed by the applicable statutory or regulatory body or the Commission, as the case may be.

Ownership of land

For the proposed off-campus facility, universities should have ownership of the land (free of any encumbrances) or a lease for at least 30 years.

Commencement of new programmes after approval

The state private university shall commence further new programmes, department(s), school(s), and increases in intake at its off-campus centre only after obtaining approval from the university's academic council or executive council, as well as relevant statutory or regulatory Bodies, where applicable, and approval letters shall be displayed on the university website.

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Establishing off-centre by taking over affiliated college

By following the procedure for establishing off-campus centres, a state private university may also apply to establish an off-campus centre by taking over any affiliated college run by the same sponsoring society, trust, or company and gradually closing the affiliated college, provided that a no objection certificate from the affiliating university is attached to the application.

The UGC notice read, “The Commission may cause the inspection of the off-campus centre, if any, either suo moto or on receipt of the complaint from any quarter to verify the veracity of the information provided in respect of off-campus centre by the University or for any other reason. Based on the inspection report, if serious violations of the norms and standards are found, the Commission shall take appropriate action to close down the off-campus centre. If any off-campus centre of University is closed down by the UGC, in order to protect the interests of students enrolled at such off-campus centre, the University shall take necessary action to shift such stadents to the main campus. An undertaking to this effect must be provided.”