UGC Halts PhD Admissions in Three Rajasthan Universities

• 23 Jan 2025

Why in News? 

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has prohibited three universities in Rajasthan from enrolling new Ph.D. students. This action follows investigations into allegations of issuing fake and backdated degrees. 

 Key Points 

• Universities Affected: The institutions barred from enrolling new Ph.D. scholars are OPJS University, Churu, Sunrise University, Alwar and Singhania University, Jhunjhunu. 
• Allegations: A Standing Committee appointed by UGC has found that the three Universities did not follow the provisions of the UGC PhD Regulations and the academic norms for awarding of PhD degrees. 
• UGC's Action: The Standing Committee has recommended that the UGC may debar these Universities from enrolling PhD students for the next five years. 
• Implications: This incidence raises concerns about the quality and credibility of higher education institutions in Rajasthan.  
  • It underscores the need for stringent oversight to maintain academic standards and protect students' interests. 

University Grants Commission (UGC) 

• UGC came into existence on 28^th December, 1953 and became a statutory Organisation of the Government of India under the University Grants Commission Act, 1956 for the coordination, determination and maintenance of standards of teaching, examination and research in university education. 
• The UGC operates under the Ministry of Education, the Central Government appoints a Chairman, a Vice-Chairman, and ten other members to the UGC. 
  • The Chairman is chosen from people who are not officers of the Central Government or any State Government. 
• Apart from providing grants to eligible universities and colleges, the Commission also advises the Central and State Governments on the measures that are necessary for the development of Higher Education. 
• It functions from New Delhi as well as its six Regional offices located in Bangalore, Bhopal, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Pune. 
• It also regulates the recognition of fake universities, autonomous colleges, deemed to be universities and distance education institutions.