Open University: UGC norms undermined

Thiruvananthapuram: It seems all is not well with the government's planned launching of the Kerala Open University on October 2.

The project might come into being flouting the required UGC norms.

Starting an Open University or distance education centre requires prior consent as per the UGC norms 2017 regarding open and distance learning.

The special officer, Dr. J Prabhash in his report in June 2019 recommended starting the university after gaining prior consent.

Also, the report highlighted it would entail a year for gaining recognition and recommended to start the university in June 2020.

After sitting on the report for a year, the government hurriedly issued an ordinance for starting the university.

Emerging allegations say that recognition is not sought in order to make appointments to top positions against UGC norms.

In the wake of ordinance banning distance/private study from other universities, students will be forced to try the Open University sans recognition.

Or else, students en bloc will seek distance education offered by universities in others states.

Calicut University Syndicate sought to allow entrance to its distance education centre this year as well, where most students study.

Meanwhile, The Save University Campaign committee submitted memorandum to Governor appealing not to start courses in Open University this year without UGC recognition and facilities in place.