UGC warns students against ODL programmes by Periyar University

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has warned students against taking admission in distance learning programmes offered by Periyar University in Tamil Nadu, stating the regulatory body does not recognise such courses offered by the varsity.

The university was recognised for the period from 2007-08 to 2014-15 and for 2019-20 for offering programmes through Open Distance Learning (ODL) mode.

The move comes after the commission noticed that the university had allegedly violated the UGC (Open and Distance Learning Programmes and Online Programmes) Regulations, 2020, in running its distance education programmes.

“It has come to the notice of the commission through various communications received… that Periyar University, Tamil Nadu, is functioning without a full-time director, inadequate full-time faculty, inadequate non-teaching staff, has not yet established a centre and runs ODL programmes without prior approval of the UGC in gross violation of the conditions laid down under the UGC Act and its amendments from time to time,” Rajnish Jain, secretary, UGC said.

“As per the recommendations of the Complaint Redressal Committee (CRC), the commission has decided that no application of the higher education institute shall be considered for 2022-23 and 2023-24. The complaints received and noticed violations shall be forwarded to the governor and the secretary, state government, for fact-finding and needful actions in the matter,” he added.

There was no immediate response from the university on the issue.

“Taking admission in such programmes may jeopardise the career of the students in view of the absence of recognition of the programmes by the UGC,” Jain added

With input from PTI.

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