THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government has stated that distance and private courses will continue in all universities. According to the Department of Higher Education, the ordinance states that distance courses may not be offered elsewhere once courses have been started at the Open University. However, courses have not been started at the Open University so far. With this, it has become evident that courses could not be started at the Sree Narayana Guru Open University in Kollam this year.

It will take five months for the Open University to gain UGC recognition. The application must first be submitted to the UGC for approval along with the appointment orders of Vice-chancellor, pro-vice-chancellor and registrar. The university can apply to start courses only after getting this permission. Distance education can be started only with this permission.

After considering the future of 1.5 lakh students who have not got admission to colleges, the government decided to allow distance and private education at other universities for this year.

At present, only Kerala University has UGC approval for distance courses this year. The universities of Calicut and Kannur will also ask for permission in view of the COVID situation.