The Newz Radar
SHIMLA: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has unveiled a list of 421 universities across India deemed as defaulters for failing to appoint a Lokpal (an ombudsman) to address student complaints. Despite the UGC’s deadline of December 31, these universities have not complied with the regulations.
From Himachal Pradesh, the list includes Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University in Palampur and Himachal Pradesh University in Shimla.
UGC Secretary Professor Manish Joshi released the list through a public notice and it comprises universities from several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi and Punjab. Among them, 256 are state universities, with the North-Eastern Hills University in Shillong being the sole central university.
Additionally, the list includes 162 private universities and two deemed-to-be universities, including Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga in Delhi and the National Dairy Research Institute in Karnal, Haryana.
Speaking specifically about state universities, the list encompasses 27 from Uttar Pradesh, nine from Uttarakhand and notable names from Himachal Pradesh, including Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University in Palampur and Chaudhary Devi Lal University at Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla. Jammu and Kashmir’s representation includes Babu Ghulam Shah Badshah University, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agriculture, Science and Technology and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University.
Furthermore, four universities from Delhi find a place on the list, comprising Delhi Sports University, Delhi Teachers University, Indira Gandhi Delhi Technical University for Women and Dr BR Ambedkar University.
The UGC had mandated the appointment of a Lokpal by December 31, and the release of this list serves as a public acknowledgment of the universities that have not adhered to the regulatory directive. The move aims to bring attention to the issue and prompt the institutions concerned to take necessary steps in compliance with UGC guidelines.
