Panel for replacing UGC with new agency

New Delhi, April 1: In farreaching recommendations, a panel set up to evaluate the UGC’s performance has suggested replacing the body altogether with a new statutory agency enjoying wideranging and quasi- judicial powers on setting standards in higher education.

The committee set up under former UGC chairman Hari Gautam has suggested setting up of a “national higher education authority” through an act of Parliament, with sources saying some “out of box” ideas have also been recommended on the appointment of vice- chancellors.

However, till the time the authority is set up, the committee has recommended improving the organisational structure and functional status of UGC so that it can perform effectively to govern higher education in the country.

Along with its recommendations, the committee has also presented a draft bill for setting up of the authority, noting that the present body has not only “failed to fulfil its mandate but also has not been able to deal with emerging diverse complexities”.

Revamping of UGC will also be a futile exercise, said the committee in its report submitted to higher education secretary Satya N. Mohanty on March 18.

“We would also submit our recommendations to HRD minister Smriti Irani,” said Prof Gautam.