The universities will now have to get permission to run a new degree program six months in advance. The University Grants Commission (UGC) has ordered all universities to obtain prior permission for new courses in an effort to prevent the issuance of bogus ' unspecified ' degrees. Devi Ahilya Vishwavidhayala (DAVV) will also have to seek permission even if it has the autonomy to start new courses after receiving the A+ degree from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC).
Dr. Chandan Gupta, the DAVV media spokesman told TOI that the permission is required if in case the course is not specified in the UGC course list. He also said that the universities have been instructed to follow Section 22 of the UGC Act and to offer courses specified in the UGC course list. If in case the course is not available then the university will have to grant permission to offer that program.
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The decision made by the University Grants Commission (UGC) will prevent the distribution of “fake degrees” up to some extent. Further updates about the decision will be reflected here.
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What is Sec 22 Of UGC Act?
Pursuant to Section 22 of the UGC Act, 1956, the right to award or grant degrees shall be exercised only by a university founded or incorporated by or under the Provincial Act, Central Act or the State Act or by an organisation considered to be a university under Section 3 or by an institution specifically authorised by the Act of Parliament to grant or grant degrees.