MDU's distance learning centre fails to get UGC's approval
07/15/2015
With the new academic session set to begin in less than two weeks, the Maharshi Dayanand University's directorate of distance education has failed to get approval from the University Grants Commission (UGC) to continue its distance education programme for 2015-16.
Sources at the university told Hindustan Times that the university had written eight letters to the state education department, demanding approval for appointing faculty, which has been made mandatory by the UGC for continuation of distance education programme, but did not get any reply. The university management has accused the state government of showing 'lackadaisical' approach towards appointment of independent faculty.
"Even today, I have written to the education department over the same issue and we are also talking to the officers concerned to get immediate approval," said MDU registrar SP Vats.
Meanwhile, sources in the education department said the department had received the letters from the university, but its fate remained 'uncertain'.
"Though we had written to the state government for approval of 12 posts of assistant professors-one each in all 12 departments-, but did not get any positive reply," said professor Naseeb Singh Gill, director to directorate of distance education.
As per the source, following recommendations by the UGC the university had demanded the stae government for appointment of assistant professor in English, Hindi, Sanskrit, political science, public admin, history, economics, computer science, library and information and management, under self financing scheme in a meeting held on July 23, 2013, to meet the requirements of the UGC.
In 2012, the UGC had granted recognition from 2012-13 to 2014-15. Now, further approval is required for the next academic session.
By Neeraj Mohan