UGC debars GITAM Andhra Pradesh for offering ODL & Online Courses

According to the notification, GITAM Andhra Pradesh failed to adhere to certain norms in regards to offering ‘Open and Distance Learning Programmes and Online Programmes’.

University Grants Commission has released the latest notification stating, “Debarring Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management (GITAM), Andhra Pradesh for offering ODL & Online programmes for 2021-22.” According to the notification, GITAM Andhra Pradesh failed to adhere to certain norms in regards to offering ‘Open and Distance Learning Programmes and Online Programmes’. UGC also stated that the institute has admitted students without adhering to regulations laid down by the commission. Considering the offence, UGC has debarred the institutions for offering ODL and online courses and has directed it not to admit any student in any of the ODL and Online programme during the debarred period of one year.

The notice reads, “It is for information of the general public that in exercise of its power given in UGC Act, 1956 (as amended); UGC has notified University Grants Commission (Open and Distance Learning) Regulations, 2017 on 23.06.2017 and University Grants Commission (Online Courses or Programmes) Regulations, 2018 on 04.07.2018 in the Gazette of India. Further, in supersession of the both, UGC has notified University Grants Commission (Open and Distance Learning Programmes and Online Programmes) Regulations, 2020 in the Gazette of India on 04.09.2020.  Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management (GITAM), Andhra Pradesh has not adhered to the above regulations and admitting students in violations of the provisions of previous and current regulations.”

It further adds, “Therefore, the Commission has taken a serious view on the above violations and decided in its 551st meeting held on 01.07.2021, to debar/ban the HEI from offering ODL and Online programme for one year.  Accordingly, Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management (GITAM), Andhra Pradesh is directed not to admit any student in any of ODL and Online programme during the debarred period of one year.”

“Therefore, general public is advised not to take admission in any course/programme of Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management (GITAM), Andhra Pradesh through distance education and online mode for the next one year i.e. 2021-22,” the notice states.

Check out the official notice released by UGC below: