UGC Issues Guidelines for Public Self-Disclosure by Higher Education Institutions; Check Details

According to the UGC, making information available in the public domain serves as a vital source of accountability. It enables stakeholders to make informed decisions and fosters trust in the higher education system.

In alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued comprehensive guidelines for public self-disclosure by Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). The NEP 2020 emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability among HEIs through the public disclosure of relevant information. This move aims to enhance accountability and ensure that stakeholders, including students, parents, research scholars, prospective students, regulatory bodies, accreditation agencies, alumni, and the general public, have access to crucial information.

According to the UGC, making information available in the public domain serves as a vital source of accountability. It enables stakeholders to make informed decisions and fosters trust in the higher education system. To this end, every HEI is mandated to maintain a functional website that facilitates unrestricted access to self-disclosed information without requiring login or registration. Furthermore, these websites should feature a 'Search' facility to ensure easy navigation and access to information.

The guidelines outline specific categories of information that HEIs should disclose on their websites:

About the Institution:

HEIs are required to provide an overview, including their Act and Statutes or Memorandum of Association (MoA), Institutional Development Plan, details of constituent units, affiliated colleges, and any off-campus centers. They must also disclose their accreditation and ranking status, recognition or approval details, annual reports, and financial statements, including balance sheets, income and expenditure accounts, and audit reports. If applicable, details of the sponsoring body should also be provided.

Administration:

HEIs should disclose profiles, photographs, and contact details of key administrative personnel, including the Chancellor, Pro Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, Principal, Finance Officer, Controller of Examinations, Chief Vigilance Officer, Ombudsperson, and members of various councils and committees such as the Executive Council, Board of Governors, Board of Management, Academic Council, Board of Studies, and Finance Committee. Information on the Internal Complaint Committee and academic leadership should also be included.

Academics:

Information about academic programs, the academic calendar, statutes and ordinances related to academics and examinations, details of schools, departments, and centers, faculty and staff profiles with photographs, and a list of UGC-recognized ODL/Online programs should be disclosed. Additionally, details of the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), library facilities, and academic collaborations should be provided.

Admissions and Fees:

HEIs must make available their prospectus, including the fee structure for various programs, admission processes and guidelines, and fee refund policies.

Research:

Details regarding the Research and Development Cell, including research and consultancy projects, foreign collaborations, industry collaborations, and information about incubation centers, start-ups, and entrepreneurship cells, should be disclosed.

Student Life:

HEIs should provide information on sports facilities, NCC/NSS activities, hostel details (if applicable), the Placement Cell and its activities, student grievance redressal mechanisms, health facilities, the Internal Complaint Committee, Anti-Ragging Cell, Equal Opportunity Cell, facilities for socio-economically disadvantaged groups (SEDG), and facilities for differently-abled students.

Alumni:

Details about the Alumni Association should be provided.

Information Corner:

HEIs should include information related to the Right to Information (RTI) Act, including details of the Central Public Information Officer (CPIO) and the Appellate Authority, along with circulars, notices, announcements, newsletters, news about recent events and achievements, job openings, reservation rosters (if applicable), and information about studying in India, including the admission procedures and facilities for international students.

Additional Sections:

A picture gallery and a 'Contact Us' section, including phone numbers, official email IDs, addresses, and a location map, should also be featured. HEIs are encouraged to maintain a telephone directory for further ease of contact.

These guidelines by the UGC are intended to foster a culture of transparency and accountability, ensuring that all stakeholders have access to pertinent information about Higher Education Institutions across the country.