Bangalore University distance education programmes under threat of losing affiliation

BENGALURU: The distance education programme offered by Bangalore University is once again under the threat of getting disaffiliated as University Grant Commission’s new guideline insists higher education institutions to have National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) scoring above 3.26 to offer distance education programmes.

In case of Bangalore University, the NAAC score is 3.16 which is below the average given by UGC to run distance education courses. The official public notice issued by UGC on February 21, 2018 clearly said that it has brought second amendment to the regulations which insists, “Higher Education institutions which have valid accreditation of NAAC with minimum CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) of 3.16 on a 4 point scale and have completed five years of existence are eligible to apply. However, this clause shall not be applicable to open universities till the time they become eligible for NAAC accreditation and it shall be mandatory for open universities to get NAAC accreditation within one year of their becoming eligible for the same.”

Bangalore University was restrained from offering distance education programmes for 2105- 16 which was retrospective from 2013-14 and 2014-15 academic years also. However, the permission from UGC has been given to make admissions for 2016-17 and 2017-18 academic year. Currently, the university is all set to admit students for the 2018-19 academic year. Meanwhile, UGC has asked the university to submit application for 2018-19 academic year. But, with this new guideline, it is worried. Prof BC Mylarappa, director of distance education department of BU, said, “We have decided to meet the UGC chairperson and submit a representation seeking exemption.”