UGC's refusal to recognize Annamalai University's distance courses adds to graduates' woes

Kozhikode: The delay in the follow-up on the cancellation of recognition of Annamalai University’s distance education courses is detrimentally affecting the employment prospects of many graduates. The students who obtained UG and PG degrees from the university through distance education between 2015-2022 are in crisis. With the withdrawal of the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) approval for these courses, students are in danger of losing employment.

Even after completion of courses, students require an equivalency certificate to seek employment in Kerala. Students approached the universities in Kerala to get the equivalency certificate but were denied on the grounds that such certificates cannot be given for courses whose approval has been cancelled by the University Grants Commission (UGC). 

The graduates have approached the High Court and Supreme Court seeking a resolution for their issues. The UGC carried out the de-accreditation process of distance education programmes of the university in March 2022. Annamalai University, which is a state university, does not have permission to run distance education centres outside Tamil Nadu, the UGC stated.

Between 2015-22, the university ran distance education centres in many states including Kerala. Centres were opened outside Tamil Nadu with permission of the Madras High Court. In January 2023, the high court ordered the approval of courses but the UGC refused to relent. The Supreme Court will be considering this petition in July.