Panel wants body with quasi-judicial powers to replace UGC

A panel mandated to look into the UGC restructuring has recommended replacing the body with a statutory agency having quasi-judicial powers on setting standards in the higher education.

The committee, under former UGC chairman Hari Gautam, has suggested setting up of a “national higher education authority” through an act of Parliament. Till the time the authority is set up, the committee has recommended improving the organisational structure and functional status of the UGC.

The committee has observed that the UGC has not only “failed to fulfil its mandate, but also has not been able to deal with emerging diverse complexities”, adding that revamping the commission would be a futile exercise.

The report, submitted to the HRD Ministry on March 18, recommended a national research aptitude test for admission to Ph.D programmes and a single tenure of V-Cs.

Source:: Indian Express