University Grants Commission (UGC) has withdrawn the recognition of the Calicut University and Kerala University to conduct programmes through the distance education mode during the academic year 2015- 16.
The move is going to affect thousands of students who are going through Distance Education from these two Universities.
The nodal higher education body has taken the extreme step following the failure of the two varsities to submit the mandatory affidavit to the UGC, under oath before a magistrate or notary, stating that the varsity would strictly abide by all the terms and conductions of the UGC while offering Open and Distance Learning (ODL) programmes.
Earlier the UGC had written to vice chancellors of 127 universities in the country in May 2015 stating that submission of the affidavit shall be a pre- condition for continuation of recognition for the academic year 2015- 16.
Interestingly, the UGC has withdrawn the recognition of only three universities in the country, two of which are in the state.
Calicut University Registrar said that they has not received the formal letter from UGC regarding withdrawal of recognition.
While Kerala University registrar maintained that the varsity has submitted the affidavit after receiving a letter from the UGC regarding withdrawal of recognition.