University Grants Commission sets rules for open learning

 The University Grants Commission , the higher education regulator, has proposed minimum requirements for institutions offering open and distance degree programmes to ensure that courses maintain a certain standard.

The government is focusing on this route to widen access to college and university degrees, given that there aren't enough places in regular courses to meet demand. UGCissued the draft Open and Distance Learning Institutions and Programmes of Study regulations last week, inviting comments from stakeholders before they are finalised. Only higher education institutions with a minimum 10 years of classroom teaching experience will be allowed to provide open and distance courses, according to the draft rules. No standalone institutions will be allowed to run open and distance learning programmes, though those already running will continue.

Deemed universities that offer only distance learning won't be allowed. Programmes being offered through the distance education route will have to be assessed by an internal quality assurance centre every year. Independent third-party audits will have to be made once in three years and programmes will be assessed and accredited through an authorised body once in five years. Permission to run the programmes will need to be granted every five years.

UGC will have the power to inspect the infrastructure and other facilities provided by the institution for open and distance learning. Any institution wanting to set up a learning centre outside the jurisdiction of the parent institution will have to get permission from the state where the centre is to be opened.

The higher education institutions will have to make publicly available all information on facilities and programmes offered under open and distance learning. Any false claims can result in UGC withdrawing permission to run such courses. The regulations are based on the recommendations of NR Madhava Menon committee that suggested measures to regulate standards of education imparted through distance courses. The draft regulations form part of the process that will lead to the setting up of a separate regulatory authority as suggested by the Menon committee. The proposed Distance Education Council of India will have to be set up through a central legislation.