UGC invites suggestions to amend 1956 Act
Pallavi Smart
With the University Grants Commission (UGC) forming an expert committee to decide on amendments to the UGC Act, 1956, the body has appealed to all stakeholders — varsity heads, educational institute heads, teachers, students and parents — to send in suggestions, a move that has been welcomed by city academicians.
The notice about the amendment was issued on Oct 1 this year, in which UGC secretary Akhilesh Gupta stated, “The UGC has constituted an expert committee under the chairmanship of R P Agrawal, Former Secretary of Higher Education in the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India, to take a comprehensive look into the existing provisions of the UGC Act, 1956 and suggest amendments. The committee has decided to invite views and suggestions of stakeholders including vice-chancellors, faculty and non-faculty members, parents and members of the public before finalising its recommendations for the consideration of the GoI.” A senior UGC official said, “It is important to amend the Act considering changing times. Increasing importance of technology and introduction of open learning are new ways of education, that need to be channelised.” Dr W N Gade, Vice Chancellor of the University of Pune, said, “The Act has been formed more than 50 years ago. Though it must have had undergone certain amendments, times have changed. Some clauses which were progressive then, could have limitations now. To avoid rigidity or provide more liberal conditions for the current education policy, this is a positive move.” He added, “Ideally for policy changes, the regular procedure involves the formation of a draft by an expert committee and then suggestions from stakeholders. However, asking for suggestion before is a welcome move as well, as it will help get a more informed and studied opinion.” President of the Principals’ Association from the city Dr Nandkumar Nikam said, “From 1956 to 2013, education has become a service sector. There has been a long-pending demand about amendments in this Act to maintain education standards what is now a global village. Inviting public opinion before the expert committee recommendations is rather revolutionary, as suggestions will provide the committee with different angles before they proceed with their brainstorming.” |
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