Move to destroy open university as universities invite private registrations in violation of law

KOLLAM: A covert move is underway to destroy Sree Narayana Guru Open University. As part of this, MG University has invited applications for private registration. Kerala, Calicut, and Kannur Universities are also following the same path. However, the UGC has not approved private registration.

Despite knowing that students will be cheated, the government is not making any intervention. The UGC has instructed not to recognize certificates of unapproved courses. However, private registrations are being accepted without permission. This is a violation of the Open University Act of 2021, which states that other universities' private studies and distance education will be vested in Open University.

The UGC's standing council had also clarified in court that private registration is not permissible. Despite repeated demands from the government, permanent faculty positions have not been sanctioned at Open University. Except for the heads of five study schools, all teachers are on contract basis. The government grant is also pending, and the salary of teachers is being delayed.

The Open University is offering all courses without approval, and the certificates are equivalent to those of other universities. The university is also offering double degree programs, four-year undergraduate programs in six subjects, digital print study materials, audio and video classes, and online classes with the support of 23 learner support centres.

Graduate courses-16
PG courses-12