The University Grants Commission (UGC) has released a list of 421 universities that have not appointed an ombudsperson to address students’ grievances, a violation of rules and regulations. The list includes several reputed institutions across the country, such as Jadavpur University, Anna University, Andhra Pradesh Fisheries University, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Rajiv Gandhi University of Knowledge Technology, Atal Bihari Vajpayee University, and Indira Gandhi Delhi Technical University for Women.
These universities were sent reminders on multiple occasions to appoint an ombudsperson within 30 days of the initial notice issued on April 11, 2023. Subsequently, they were again directed to comply with UGC regulations by appointing an ombudsperson by December 31, 2023, as per reports. The announcement warned that the names of non-compliant universities would be publicly released on the UGC website.
The list of defaulters comprises a central university (North Eastern Hill University in Meghalaya), 162 private universities, 256 state universities, and two additional institutions. UGC urges these institutions to promptly appoint an ombudsperson and provide the necessary details through the provided email addresses. Institutions that have already made appointments but still appear on the list can contact the UGC for clarification.
Furthermore, the UGC has instructed institutions to update their websites with information about the ombudsperson and the Students Grievance Redressal Committee. They are also encouraged to display this information prominently around the campus.
In Maharashtra, Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) took the lead by appointing retired Judge Shrikrishna Panse as the ombudsperson, making it the first institution in the state to do so. The decision was made by SPPU Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr) Suresh Gosavi. The ombudsman’s role involves addressing 15 types of student grievances.
It is emphasised that compliance with these regulations is essential to ensure an effective grievance redressal mechanism within educational institutions. The UGC continues to monitor and take actions to enforce its directives, promoting a fair and transparent system for addressing students’ concerns.
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