The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a stern notice to 17 state and 9 private universities across Maharashtra for failing to adhere to the University Grants Commission (Redressal of Grievances of Students) Regulations, 2023. The directive, aimed at addressing student grievances effectively, mandated the appointment of an ombudsperson within 30 days of the notification released on April 12, 2023.
Despite repeated reminders, including a notification on December 5, 2023, urging immediate compliance, these universities have yet to appoint an ombudsperson. The UGC, in its latest move, is poised to take regulatory action against the defaulting institutions.
Among the universities falling short of compliance are prestigious names such as Jadavpur University, Anna University, Delhi Teachers’ University, and BR Ambedkar University. Notably, even esteemed law colleges like the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, Maharashtra National Law University in Mumbai, and Nagpur find themselves on the list of non-compliant institutions.
UGC guidelines explicitly state that universities and their affiliated colleges must prominently display the particulars and contact details of the ombudsperson and the students’ grievance redressal committee (SGRC) on their websites and across their campuses. The UGC’s proactive approach underscores the significance of robust grievance redressal mechanisms for safeguarding students’ welfare and ensuring institutional accountability.
This development serves as a stark reminder to educational institutions regarding their responsibility to establish and uphold mechanisms that prioritize the well-being and concerns of the student community.
