Transparency test fails: 54 private universities pulled up by UGC

New Delhi: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has named 54 state private universities across India as defaulters for not submitting mandatory information under section 13 of the UGC Act, 1956, and for failing to make the required disclosures on their websites.

According to officials, despite repeated reminders via emails and online meetings, the universities did not comply with directions to submit detailed information for inspection, supported by attested documents from their registrars.

UGC Secretary Manish Joshi explained that institutions were also instructed to upload completed formats and appendices on their websites with links visible on the home page, ensuring transparency for students and the public.

What do UGC guidelines require?

The UGC’s self-disclosure rules mandate that higher education institutions must maintain a functional website. Information must be easily accessible on the home page without registration or login, and a search facility should be provided for easy navigation.

Which states have the most defaulters?

Madhya Pradesh topped the list with 10 defaulting universities, followed by Gujarat with eight, Sikkim with five, and Uttarakhand with four.

What action could follow?

The UGC has circulated the defaulters’ list and warned them to take corrective measures immediately. Officials have cautioned that further action may be taken against institutions that continue to ignore the instructions.

The regulator has tightened monitoring of private universities in recent months. In July, 23 institutions were issued warnings for failing to appoint ombudspersons.
(With PTI inputs)