Check if Shree Narayana-Guru Open University has UGC approval

Check if Shree Narayana Guru Open University has UGC approval
Post Date:

The High Court’s direction to the Higher Education Secretary comes on some petitions by students challenging a June 9 order of the state government that barred all other universities in the state, except the Open University, from conducting distance education programmes.
The Kerala High Court has asked the state government to examine whether the Shree Narayana-Guru Open University has got recognition from the University Grants Commission (UGC) for conducting distance education programs and if so, for what courses.

To start a distance learning program

The UGC, on its part, had told the court that this year also it had not given any approval to the open university to start the distance education program and other approved universities could continue if they were given the nod to do so.

Open University got recognition from the commission

The state government had said that its order only stated that other universities in Kerala, which have been approved by the UGC for such purpose, can conduct distance education programs as long as the Open University Commission does not receive recognition.
On the other hand, the Open University had opposed the contention of the UGC and claimed that it had already obtained approval from the Commission in respect of certain courses under the Distance Education Programme.

Other universities were forbidden from offering such courses

The students wanted permission to enroll in distance learning programs to be conducted in other universities in Kerala. He had argued that the open university did not have the requisite approval from the UGC and that other universities were prohibited from offering such courses due to the government’s June 9 order.

Further delay will certainly be detrimental to the interests of the students

It has to be done quickly, as further delay will certainly be detrimental to the interests of the students. After hearing all the parties, Justice D. Ramachandran said, “Therefore, I am of the firm view that the decision in this regard will have to be taken by the Secretary, Department of Higher Education after hearing the petitioners and representatives.” open University.

Higher education department will ensure

The Secretary of the Department of Higher Education shall ensure that the orders issued by him are communicated to the parties within 24 hours, including through electronic mode, to enable them to enforce their remedies or freedoms, as may be available to them, – the High Court added.

On August 23, the Higher Education Department will hear him and the representatives of the Open University:
The government will issue orders to allow other approved universities in the state to conduct distance education programmes.
Therefore, the court allowed the petition of the students with the direction that the Secretary, Department of Higher Education would hear them and the representatives of the Open University on August 23 and if the University is unable to show that it is UGC recognized.