All Varsities Must Have a Grievance Cell: High Court to UGC
The court also directed the University of Delhi to take necessary steps for the appointment of ‘ombudsman’ and constitute Grievance Redressal Committee in affiliated colleges.
The High Court of Delhi has directed the University Grants Commission (UGC) to set up a grievance cell in all the varsities to address the issues of students. The system must be prevalent not only in varsities but also affiliated colleges. The High Court has given a time limit of four months to UGC to set up the grievance redressal cell in all the varsities and colleges.
Also read: - International Students & Retired Professors Not Eligible for Non-NET Research, Clarifies UGC
Justice Sangita Dhingra and Chief Justice G. Rohini indicated that the UGC must appoint an ‘ombudsman’ in every university and Grievance Redressal Committee (GRC) in all the colleges. The High Court termed it as ‘mandatory’ and the time limit for the same has been set at four months. The court further directed UGC to follow UGC (Grievance Redressal) Regulations of 2012.
The court also directed the University of Delhi to take necessary steps for the appointment of ‘ombudsman’ and constitute Grievance Redressal Committee in affiliated colleges.
Also read: - UGC Reforms: Colleges in Telangana Hoping for Autonomy Status this Year
The PIL was filed by a former law student of a renowned university who alleged that the varsities are not complying with UGC regulations and failed to constitute GRC and appoint ‘ombudsman’ to address the issues of students. Finally, the court disposed the PIL and directed the UGC to take immediate steps.
As per the judgement that was given by High Court, the ‘ombudsman’ shall be a part-time officer and his appointment will be made for the tenure of three years or till the attainment of 70 years of age.