Kerala's Sree Narayana Guru Open University may jeopardize future of 'parallel' colleges

Kozhikode: The future of 'parallel' colleges (unrecognised private higher education institutions) in Kerala hangs in the balance as the Sree Narayana Guru Open University Act, 2021, imposes restrictions that could lead to their closure. It will give students left out of mainstream institutions and those who want to pursue distance education only limited options.

The Act ends open, private and distance course registrations at other state universities. Sree Narayana Guru Open University (SNGOU) will be the only institution to provide distance courses in the future. As of now, regular universities cannot conduct distance courses that are available at SNGOU. Gradually, distance education departments in all state universities will be closed down, paving the way for complete control of SNGOU in the sector.

Concerns of students

Students are concerned that SNGOU degree courses charge more than twice as much as regular universities. While Calicut University charges Rs 6,735 for a course, the Open University demands Rs 16,680 for it.

Previously, students in parallel colleges received the same degree certificate as those in regular courses. However, now they will get a distance education certificate from SNGOU. The low acceptance of open university degree certificates compared to traditional universities in the job market will further discourage students.

Colleges closed down

The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the surge of online learning has already forced numerous colleges without proper infrastructure to shut down. More than half of the 700 parallel colleges in the state have closed their doors.

In the previous academic year, approximately 28,000 individuals enrolled in degree programs in Calicut through parallel colleges. Meanwhile, university-affiliated colleges in the state struggled with approximately 70,000 vacant degree seats, including over 60,000 seats in self-financing courses.

A. Prabhakaran, the State President of the Parallel College Association, accuses the government of imposing stringent restrictions under pressure from self-financing management.

Court action

Despite the government's approval of the Sree Narayana Guru Open University, several courses still lack UGC recognition. The matter was brought to court, and the government intervened to allow certain courses last year. In none of the other states, distance education and private registration is limited to Open Universities.

Parallel college students, frustrated by Open University restrictions, are now contemplating court action.