Addressing media at the varsity on Friday, vice-chancellor Prof?M?G?Krishnan said that the meeting between the delegation led by himself and UGC?officials at New Delhi on Thursday was fruitful.
“The UGC officials have positively responded to the requisition from the varsity to renew the recognition. Relevant documents and affidavits have been submitted to them. It may take a maximum of 15 days for renewal (of recognition),” said Krishnan. He said, unlike the students of regular universities, the students pursuing education through open and distance learning mode are more vulnerable.
As per the UGC?guidelines, the varsity should abide by its territory and discontinue technical programmes. While the para-medical courses have already been stopped, technical courses are being stopped.
Admissions for the current academic year will be delayed. It will be only after the renewal of the recognition that the varsity will commence admissions, said Krishnan. In the normal scenario, the varsity was launching admissions in the month of July, stretching up to a couple of months with fine amount.
The delegation led by Krishnan comprised registrar Prof?P?S?Naik and senior Prof Jagadish.
Tie-ups to be discontinued
The university that had tied up with 205 institutions outside the State has started to revoke the memoranda of understandings (MoU), with collaborative institutions. Recently, a Gujarat-based institution withdrew the agreement and the authorities concerned are settling some part of the amount, said Krishnan.
Reacting to media queries, Krishnan said, “The decision to withdraw agreements with collaborative institutions may affect one lakh-odd students (who were awaiting fresh admissions). However, the interests of students already enrolled at such institutions will be protected. They will be admitted to second year and final year courses as is the procedure. Fresh admissions are ruled out”.
Following a petition by a Kerala-based institution, the High?Court in that state had ordered stay on KSOU’s decision to withdraw its tie-up with collaborative institutions. The university will discuss the matter with legal experts, he said.
Denying that cancellation of agreement with such institutions may bring down student strength, the VC said, “It may, in fact, increase the number of students, with the varsity having 23 regional centres in the State. Even students from outside can enrol here.”
When the media sought to know whether the varsity was surrendering to the diktat of UGC, as open universities in other states are offering courses outside their respective states, Krishnan said, “The immediate priority is the interests of students. I will take up the issue at the next level.”
Regarding PhDs offered at the varsity, the VC said that “the course is offered on a par with a regular university, with in-house professors on the job.”
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