JOIN USDistance mode courses of BU, KSOU still derecognised
The Bangalore University (BU) and the Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) have postponed the admission process of courses offered via distance mode for this academic year, as they continue to be de-recognised by the University grants Commission (UGC).
Both varsities, which began the admission process for distance education in July, hope to complete the process between September and October. These universities, along with Karnatak University in Dharwad and Gulbarga University, have come under the scanner of the UGC for violations on various grounds.
The UGC had issued a public notice on June 18, stating that KSOU had been derecognised for offering several coursescluding PG and technical courses, illegally.
Second notice
The KSOU, which is in soup for flouting the norms of the regulatory authorities, continues to claim that it has cancelled MoUs with all the collaborative institutions offering courses both outside and within the State.
Owing to this, UGC issued a second notice to the varsity on August 17, where it reiterates that the varsity has failed to discontinue its pacts with private establishments and study centres.
It has asked KSOU to submit a detailed proposal of its Open and Distance Learning (ODL) programmes to be offered during 2015-16, as per the prescribed format in the Recognition of Open and Distance Learning Institution, Handbook 2009. The UGC has sought name and designation of the faculty-in charge of each of the proposed programmes.
M G Krishnan, VC, KSOU said that the varsity had responded to the notice on August 20, stating that it had cancelled agreements with all collaborative institutions. “The UGC officials have orally assured me that the interests of those students who have already enrolled will not be harmed,” he added.
KSOU has tied up with over 220 collaborative institutions across India and the globe, including USA, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Mexico and Dubai. These institutions run over 5,000 study centres. Bangalore University Vice Chancellor B Thimme Gowda said that it was inevitable to delay the admission process, as the varsity was awaiting approval from the UGC.
“On August 17, I explained to the UGC officials that BU should be allowed to start the admission process for this academic year.”
Gowda said that till date the varsity had not received any official communication from UGC outlining the violation. The varsity lost its recognition for non-compliance with the recommendations of the visiting expert committee.
Kemparaju T D, Director, BU’s Directorate of Correspondence Courses and Distance Education, said that the varsity offered only in-house courses via distance mode, including BA, BCom, BBM, MA and MCom, to which around 2,500 students enrolled every year.