Complete accreditation process, HRD ministry asks Central

Ignoring opposition from some quarters, HRD Ministry has asked all central universities to complete their National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) accreditation as per UGC regulations.
"UGC will take up the matter with NAAC for opening the Regional Centers to expedite the process of accreditation," said a government statement here today.
So far only 10-12 of the 39 central universities are accredited. Older universities like Delhi University and new varsities have till now shied away from going through the process due to several reasons.
UGC, governing higher education in the country, had in March, 2013 come out with a notification making it mandatory for all universities to get letters of accreditation within six months from NAAC.

The NAAC is an autonomous body established by the UGC to assess and accredit institutions of higher education in the country.
A working group of vice chancellors has also been constituted to frame guidelines on common admission, common curriculum, student mobility, faculty mobility and a national system of credit transfer.

On the last day of the two-day vice chancellors retreat in Chandigarh, HRD Minister Smriti Irani today exhorted all VCs -- in wake of sexual harassment of a student in Viswa Bharati University -- to ensure prevention of sexual harassment of students and staff at all costs.
It was also decided to form another working Group for developing a framework for the National Ranking System and submit its report within one month.

The issue of holding a common admission and following a common curriculum was discussed, following which it was decided to set up a working group comprising of some VCs to frame guidelines.
Older Universities such as DU and JNU, who hold their exams separately, are reported to be against a common admission programme. Officials said the issue would be taken up further after the guidelines are framed.
Yesterday, HRD Minister Smriti Irani has discussed a single legislation proposal with the vice-chancellors of 39 central universities to govern all the central varsities and their comments have been sought on the issue.

The Chandigarh meeting came after Irani had held similar interactions with directors of IITs and IIMs.