UGC, AICTE warns students against taking admission in Chinese Universities
As per the extant rules, UGC and AICTE do not recognize such degree courses done only in online mode without prior approval.
Higher education regulators, the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) have warned students against taking admission in China. The Public notice states that China continues travel restrictions in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Thousands of Indian students enrolled in various Chinese Universities had to be flown out in early 2020 with the outbreak of COVID-19 in the country and they are yet to return back and complete their education.
The UGC notice states that some of the Chinese Universities have started admitting students online and Chinese authorities have also stated that these programmes will be conducted online, while UGC, AICTE do not recognize such online degrees thus creating education and employment problem for students.
UGC, AICTE joint notice reads: “It has come to notice that a few Universities in the People's Republic of China have started issuing notices for admission to various degree programmes for the current and upcoming academic years. In this context, any prospective student needs to be aware that the Government of the People's Republic of China has imposed strict travel restrictions in the wake of COVID-19 and suspended all visas since November 2020. A large number of Indian students have not been able to return to China to continue their studies due to these restrictions. Thus far, there has been no relaxation in the restrictions. Further, the Chinese authorities have conveyed earlier that courses will be conducted online.”
As per the extant rules, UGC and AICTE do not recognize such degree courses done only in online mode without prior approval.
“In view of the above, students are advised to exercise due diligence in choosing where to pursue higher education to avoid further problems in employment or higher studies,” reads the notice.
S Jaishankar raises Indian Student's Return issue with Wang Yi
External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar on Friday raised the issue of Indian students who were enrolled in Chinese universities with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, who are not able to return to China to resume their studies. Jaishankar hoped that Beijing will adopt a "non-discriminatory approach" to it.
"Minister Wang Yi assured me that he would speak to the relevant authorities on his return on this matter. He also recognised the particular concerns that medical students have in this difficult situation," Minister said while addressing the media in New Delhi.
Around 20,000 Indian students were enrolled in various courses including clinical medicine courses in different Chinese universities at that time, Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan said in Rajya Sabha. These students are now struggling to return to universities.
The students are in touch with their respective college authorities and have been told to wait ‘until further notice'.
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Abhay an alumnus of IIMC and Delhi University, has over a decade long experience of reporting on various beats of journalism. During his free time he prefers listening to music or play indoor and outdoor games.