You all should know that the Human Resource Development ministry has prepared a draft to replace the old University Grants Commission with a new and updated regulator for higher education in the country. This step is under construction now, as they are planning and they already welcomed the suggestion from the best educationist and other people. The new Higher Education Commission of India would focus solely on academic matters.
Also, the monetary grants would be the purview of the ministry, according to the draft. You all should know that the act will be called the Higher Education Commission of India Act, 2018 (Repeal of University Grants Commission Act). The best thing about this whole scenario is HRD minister Prakash Javadekar’s step which invites all educationists, stakeholders and the general public to give comments and suggestions before 5 pm on July 7 on the draft.
You all may know that the first time ever the regulator will have powers to enforce academic quality standards including the power to order the closure of sub-standard and bogus institutions. Non-compliance could result in fines or jail sentence, says the draft. Currently, UGC releases the names of bogus institutions on its website to inform the public but cannot take any action. Now, they’ll be able to kick out the fraud and low quality educational and that’s cool.
“The Chief Executive and other members of Management of such institution who do not comply with the penalty imposed by the Commission shall be liable for prosecution as per procedure laid down under the Criminal Procedure Code and may be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend up to three years”, the draft says.
