Established colleges to get University status

The Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) has recently set up a committee to examine the issue of bringing reforms in the university affiliation system phase-wise in the country.

It feels that the system of affiliation, being followed since 1856, has let down academic standards both in the affiliated colleges and in the affiliating universities.

The Ministry has initiated the move towards bringing reforms in the affiliation system following the recommendations made in this regard by the Madhav Menon Committee and over 200 Vice-Chancellors of Central and State Universities.

The Madhav Menon committee was set up by the Ministry in August last year to evolve a comprehensive policy on the issue of autonomy of higher education institutions.

The panel has noted that it is not conducive to continue with the system of affiliation in the country in the present circumstances. Given the need for increasing the number of universities, it is only appropriate that established colleges with good  record are elevated to the status of universities in a phased manner giving them time to organise themselves for the new challenges.

According to a senior functionary of the UGC, about 500 colleges with excellent track records, could be considered for giving status of university in the first phase.

Rest of the colleges with good infrastructure could be given three years time to improve their academic performance, the UGC functionary said.HRD Minister Kapil Sibal too is keen to shed the colonial-era affiliation system in universities and colleges.