The UGC (open and distancelearning) regulations, 2017, need to be complied in order to run the distance programs.
According to UGC, minimum standards of instructions have been laid down in the 2017 regulations and hence the institutes offering distance learning courses, need to take fresh approval from it.
Higher educational institutions (HEIs) approved for 2017-18 have been permitted to offer approved open and distance learning programs for the academic year 2017-18. Such HEIs will be required to apply afresh in the prescribed format as per the UGC regulations 2017 for consideration. The applications for recognising new HEIs and starting new programs will be invited shortly as per the UGC regulations.
D T Shirke, acting pro-vice chancellor of the Shivaji University, Kolhapur (SUK) told TOI that the move will help create and offer better courses in the future. The open and distance learning courses have proven to be quite useful for working people, women, students studying for competitive exams and students from rural areas.
“In the new regulations various operational functions have been amended at minor or major level, which will facilitate education,” Shirke said.
Shirke added that SUK itself is going to start 60 new study centres, along with the existing ones across the division, for its distance education programme.
“We have been getting lot of requests from the students and parents to start new study centres and hence we will be starting them from this academic year,” he added.
