UGC Chiefs Plans E-Universities to Promote Online Education in India

In conversation with Navbharat Times (NBT), UGC Chief Prof (Dr.) Manidala Jagadesh Kumar said that UGC plans to open E-Universities to promote Online Education in India.

In a recent exclusive interview with the renowned publication Navbharat Times, the Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC), Prof. (Dr.) Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar unveiled the commission’s ambitious plans for the forthcoming month, aligning with the commitments outlined in the New Delhi G20 Declaration.

Dr. Kumar emphasized the necessity to foster the best-quality higher education by promoting online education, a move aimed at facilitating seamless job placements for students upon course completion.

A Glimpse into the Future: The E-University Concept

The UGC is on the verge of establishing an E-University, a project that promises to revolutionize the educational landscape. In a dialogue with another media group in July 2023, Dr. Kumar highlighted the E-University initiative’s transformative potential. 

He envisions it as a powerful social and economic empowerment tool, allowing students to earn credit points through the National Credit Framework. Furthermore, the New Education Policy (NEP) will extend recognition to vocational courses, enhancing their value and appeal.

The E-University concept is particularly beneficial for students in remote areas, granting them access to insights and teachings from national and international experts. 

Moreover, students already enrolled in degree programs can transition to e-universities, where they can accumulate 130 to 140 credit points in two and a half years, which will integrate with their regular courses.

The E-University Advantage: Bridging Gaps and Expanding Horizons

Affordability: E-universities are a cost-effective alternative to traditional educational institutions, eliminating the need for physical infrastructure and reducing expenses.

Flexibility: These virtual universities offer unparalleled flexibility, allowing students to tailor their study schedules and learning pace according to their preferences and commitments.

Convenience: E-universities transcend geographical boundaries, enabling students globally to pursue their education without relocating, a boon for working individuals and those with other responsibilities.

Choice: With no physical constraints, e-universities can offer a broader spectrum of courses and programs than their traditional counterparts, catering to diverse interests and career paths.

Who is Prof. (Dr.) Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar?

A distinguished academician and electrical engineer, Dr. Kumar currently presides as the Chairman of the UGC in India. He is a Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi).

With a rich academic background, including an M.S. and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from IIT Madras and postdoctoral research at the University of Waterloo, Canada, Dr. Kumar brings over three decades of teaching and research experience in electrical engineering to his role.

During his tenure, which included serving as the Vice-Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) from 2016 to 2022, Dr Kumar has been the recipient of numerous accolades, such as the IBM Faculty Award and the ISA-VSI TechnoMentor Award.

Dr. Kumar is a fervent proponent of research and innovation, recognized for his dedication to enhancing the quality of education and spearheading reforms in India’s higher education system.

Under his guidance, the UGC has initiated several measures to elevate the standard of higher education in India, including introducing the National Education Policy 2020, fostering interdisciplinary research, and augmenting the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC).