The UGC has barred NALSAR University of Law from offering ODL programmes, citing non-compliance with the UGC Regulations, 2020, due to lack of a BCI NOC. Affected students face uncertainty.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has taken a significant step by barring the prestigious NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad from offering programmes under the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and Online (OL)modes. This decision comes after the university's repeated failure to secure approval for its postgraduate programmes in compliance with the UGC’s regulations. The move raises concerns regarding the future of students already enrolled in such programmes and highlights a potential clash between UGC and institutional autonomy in legal education.
UGC’s Stance on Prohibited Programmes
- Applications Rejected Twice: NALSAR submitted applications on two separate occasions seeking approval to offer postgraduate programmes in ODL modes. Both applications were rejected by the UGC, citing non-compliance with the UGC (Open and Distance Learning Programmes and Online Programmes) Regulations, 2020.
- Conflict with Regulation 2(z): According to Regulation 2(z), programmes in the discipline of law or allied domains are categorized as “prohibited programmes” in ODL and online modes.
Provision for Exceptions
- Statutory Council Approval Needed: The regulation provides an exception, stating: “If the concerned statutory or regulatory council permits any of the prohibited programmes in the stated modes, it can be considered by the Commission.”
- No NOC from BCI: NALSAR failed to furnish a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Bar Council of India (BCI), which is a prerequisite for offering law programmes in ODL modes.
Violation and Show-Cause Notice
- Despite UGC’s rejection, NALSAR issued an admission notification for its PG programmes for the 2023-24 academic session on its website.
- This prompted the UGC to issue a show-cause notice, demanding an explanation from the university for its non-compliance.
UGC’s Decision and Committee Recommendations
- The case was reviewed by the Complaint Redressal Committee, which recommended banning NALSAR from offering ODL programmes.
- As per the UGC, the recommendation stated that “NALSAR may apply to offer ODL programmes only after the debarment period.”
Uncertainty for Enrolled Students
- While the UGC has enforced the ban, it has not clarified how students who are already enrolled in NALSAR’s ODL programmes can seek relief or continue their education.
- This lack of clarity has left students in a precarious position, raising concerns over their academic and professional futures.
No Response from NALSAR
- At the time of this publication, NALSAR University of Law has not issued any official statement or comment on the UGC’s decision or the future course of action.
Source: TIMES OF INDIA
