Sree Narayana Guru Open University: Student frustration mounts over academic delays and poor coordination

Thrissur: Academic activities at Sree Narayana Guru Open University are reportedly progressing far too slowly, causing widespread concern among students across Kerala. The university, which was established to support learners who missed the chance for higher education as well as professionals seeking further studies, is now facing mounting criticism over poor coordination and delayed services.

Despite having 76,000 students enrolled, including 22,000 new admissions this academic year, operations at the university’s study help centres are said to be poorly coordinated. Hundreds of centres across Kerala have yet to receive clear guidance, leaving both students and sub-centre staff struggling.

The primary grievance is the non-delivery of study materials, even two months after the academic year began. Although the university had announced that course materials would be delivered directly to students this year, rather than through help centres, many have still not received them. In several cases, the packets delivered reportedly contain only three out of four required subjects, further adding to student frustration.

Another major concern is the directive that online classes should replace in-person sessions in centres with fewer than 20 students. Students allege that this policy was not disclosed during the admission process, sparking further backlash.

Complaints are increasingly being raised through official channels, yet queries shared in the university’s official WhatsApp group have gone unanswered. The silence prompted the Vice-Chancellor to intervene, posting a message urging responsible officials to respond to genuine concerns raised by study centres. The VC warned that failure to address complaints would result in disciplinary action.

Meanwhile, students accuse the university of prioritising non-academic activities over academic services. Recent regional and institutional arts festivals received wide attention due to extensive participation and publicity, and the sports festival is to be held. Critics argue that while cultural events are being heavily promoted, core academic responsibilities are being neglected.

There are also complaints from students who passed the equivalency examination, claiming the university is charging high fees without providing essential teaching materials, while also delaying payments to counsellors and other academic staff. Many say the situation has reached a point where “we cannot move forward” unless urgent corrective action is taken.