UGC proposes separate undergraduate boards for all states

The UGC (University Grants Commission) has recently proposed that there should be a separate undergraduate board for all states, similar to school boards such as the state board, ICSE (Indian Certificate of Secondary Education)and CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education).  This suggestion is based on the survey conducted by UGC wherein it sent out a very extensive questionnaire to colleges and universities across the country.

The UGC claims that the implementation of such a process will benefit universities by giving them time to focus on post-graduate research and education.

In one of the questions in the survey, the UGC sought the opinion of the colleges and universities regarding the appropriateness of a state board for undergraduate education on the same line of CBSE/school boards. Another option suggested by UGC was an undergraduate board in each university.

This questionnaire has helped the UGC consolidate the opinions of various colleges on several different issues. With this, the council will put forward suggestions aimed at strengthening collegiate education.

The council is busy undertaking many initiatives like revamping the process of college affiliation and ensuring that a maximum number of colleges profit from its funding. To collect as much feedback and information from its stakeholders, the council has been conducting seminars for colleges and universities on the current affiliation program. The most recent one was conducted on Friday, December 14 and Saturday, December 15, 2013, in Pune.

UGC through its questionnaire was also open to specific reforms suggested by universities and colleges, which can be used to help in improving the education system. The questionnaire also looked at whether colleges can be affiliated to any university in the country and not be bound by geographical jurisdiction.

UGC holds the view that colleges are being sorely neglected by universities. Out of 33,000 -odd colleges in the country, a mere 7,000 are recognized by the UGC and are granted development funds. Most of the colleges lose out on funding because they do not have permanent affiliation.  

With these suggestions and reforms the UGC hopes to expand its influence to many colleges and universities that have been neglected in the country.

Source: The Times of India