Autonomy to Colleges: Funding to Colleges will Continue, Clarifies UGC
- UGC assured the colleges that they will receive the same amount of funding under the autonomous ruses as before.
- The meeting took place in Delhi on November 16, 2017, and DU Principals are still unsure about the autonomous norms.
On November 16, 2017, principals of different central and state universities from across the country gathered in Delhi for an orientation programme on the issue of autonomous colleges. The programme was organised by the University Grants Commission (UGC). During the meeting, the principals of the University of Delhi were assured that the autonomy would not result in any fund cut. Secretary to Department of Higher Education, Mr. K Sharma and Mr. VS Chauhan, Chairperson of UGC attended the meeting.
Over 20 colleges affiliated to the University of Delhi attended the meeting. Some of the popular colleges that attended the meeting were: -
- St. Stephen's College
- Hindu College
- Shri Ram College of Commerce
- Lady Shri Ram College
Among the top DU Colleges, St. Stephen's College has already applied for the autonomous status, and more colleges are expected to apply soon. During the meeting, many colleges raised the issue of universities not forwarding their applications. Responding to the issue, an official associated with UGC stated that the colleges have to send the application copy to seek autonomous status both to the university and UGC. If the university fails to dispose the application within one month, UGC will automatically assume that the varsity had approved the application.
After the meeting, Mr. K S Garg, Principal of Deen Day Upadhyaya College revealed that the Autonomous College Scheme would not have an impact on funds. The colleges were assured that they will get the same funding as they are getting now. The colleges will get autonomy to formulate their own syllabus, initiate new courses and conduct their own examinations. The name of the college will be mentioned on degree certificate even though it will be issued by the university.
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Adding further, Mr. K S Garg revealed that the colleges with NAAC ‘A’ grade could apply for autonomous status. However, principals of various colleges lack clarity on the scheme and its implementation. The authorities failed to give appropriate answers to the questions posed by principals.
According to sources, the colleges with only one stream will get Rs. 9 lakh as annual funding. Similarly, the colleges that have two or three streams would get over Rs. 15 lakh as annual funding.
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Delhi University Teachers’ Association (DUTA) organised a protest against the autonomous status. The teachers were of the opinion that the autonomous status will have an adverse effect on the service conditions of workers and teachers. On the education, autonomy to colleges will make quality education unaffordable for large sections of people, opined by teachers.