HC passes interim order allowing universities to begin admissions for distance education courses

KOCHI: With the exception of the Sree Narayana Guru Open University, all the other universities have been allowed to receive applications for their distance education courses. Justice Devan Ramachandran passed the interim order in response to the pleas against the government’s notification to stop distance education courses in all universities except that of Sree Narayana Guru Open University.

The UGC gave permission to conduct distance education graduate programs in Malayalam, English, Hindi, Sanskrit, and Arabic and also for post-graduate programs in English and Malayalam. The other universities are allowed to conduct programs other than these graduate and post-graduate programs.

Justice Devan Ramachandran has said that a detailed hearing is needed to decide if other universities must be allowed to conduct degree programs that are allowed for Sree Narayana Guru Open University.

Meanwhile, the Technical University syndicate has decided to begin three centers with international standards to lead the study and research of science and technology. The estimated cost is Rs.30 crore.

The first center for Sustainable Development and Carbon Neutrality will be the Kannur Government Engineering College. The second center dealing with Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Automation, etc. will be in Model Engineering College, Ernakulam, and the third center for Emerging Materials at Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Technology in Kottayam.

The syndicate has appointed a standing committee to monitor the academic, research, and administration of these colleges.