UGC Tackles Plagiarism and Substandard PhD Programs Through New Regulations

UGC Takes Action Against Substandard PhD Programs, Institutes at Risk of Penalties

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aims to transform education at all levels in India, but its adoption has been uneven, with varying degrees of implementation across regions. While many states and institutions have embraced the policy and are actively working towards its goals, its full implementation remains a work in progress. Key issues, such as opposition to certain provisions of the NEP and ongoing concerns regarding higher education, must be addressed for the policy to achieve its intended impact and bring about meaningful reform.

Tamil Nadu, in particular, has raised concerns about the NEP, especially regarding the three-language formula, and is instead in the process of formulating its own State Education Policy (SEP). In response to these concerns, UGC Chairman M. Jagadesh Kumar clarified that the University Grants Commission (UGC) is adopting a collaborative approach to implementing the NEP. While some aspects of the policy, such as the introduction of four-year undergraduate programs, are optional and flexible, he emphasized that all states are expected to eventually adopt UGC reforms. He cautioned that failure to do so could lead to disparities in the quality and structure of higher education across states, ultimately disadvantageous to students.

In addition to the challenges posed by policy implementation, state universities are facing significant financial difficulties due to a reduction in UGC funding. Consequently, these universities must explore alternative funding sources, such as industry collaborations, as relying solely on government support is no longer a sustainable model. Moreover, universities are encouraged to seek partnerships with the private sector, as modern higher education institutions thrive on multiple funding streams.

The primary role of the UGC is to coordinate, set standards, and maintain quality in higher education. Until the end of the 12th Plan in 2017, the UGC provided funding for various schemes, including the establishment of new faculty positions. However, with the discontinuation of five-year plans and the formation of NITI Aayog, most of these funding schemes were phased out. While the UGC continues to reimburse schemes initiated before 2017, state governments are now responsible for funding salaries, pensions, and infrastructure in state universities. Additionally, central schemes under the National Research Foundation (NRF) have been introduced to support research infrastructure.

Another ongoing issue is the conflict between the Tamil Nadu government and the Governor over the inclusion of a UGC nominee in Vice-Chancellor search committees. The UGC Chairman emphasized that the timely appointment of Vice-Chancellors is critical for universities to function effectively, as delays disrupt academic schedules, faculty appointments, and research activities. Although a case is pending in the Supreme Court, he asserted that resolving this issue remains the responsibility of the state government. The UGC has urged state governments to prioritize the appointment of Vice-Chancellors to ensure the smooth functioning of universities.

On the issue of faculty shortages in Tamil Nadu's state universities, Kumar highlighted that institutions like the University of Madras are operating with only a fraction of their required faculty, which hampers teaching, program development, and research. He stressed that state governments must prioritize strengthening universities with adequate leadership and faculty to ensure their global recognition and contribution to societal well-being. Kumar also noted that several foreign universities, particularly from the UK and Australia, have expressed interest in establishing campuses in India. The University of Southampton has already set up a campus in Delhi, and more universities are expected to follow suit in the coming years, further enhancing India’s higher education landscape.

Regarding the quality of PhDs, Kumar acknowledged that plagiarism remains a concern. He pointed out that several factors affect the quality of PhD programs, including proper admission procedures, the monitoring of student progress, and encouraging scholars to publish in reputable journals. He also mentioned that some universities have violated UGC’s PhD regulations by awarding degrees for substandard work or short durations. To address this, expert committees have been formed to identify and investigate such cases, and institutions found to be in violation will be barred from offering PhD programs.

Finally, on the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC), Kumar reported that progress is advancing rapidly. Many institutions have completed the student onboarding process, with others reaching up to 70% completion. By the December 31 deadline, all institutions are required to generate unique IDs for students, upload mark sheets and certificates, and link them to these IDs. This will allow students to access digital transcripts, eliminating the need for original certificates and streamlining administrative processes. While the NEP 2020 presents opportunities for transformative change in India’s higher education sector the challenges remain in its implementation. Addressing issues such as financial constraints, faculty shortages, and regulatory compliance, and fostering collaboration between states and institutions will be essential for realizing the policy's full potential.

Editor's Note:

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has the potential to bring much-needed change to India’s higher education system. However, its full implementation faces several challenges, including differences between states, financial issues, faculty shortages, and governance problems. The University Grants Commission (UGC) is working to push forward these reforms, but both state governments and educational institutions must work together to overcome these obstacles. The NEP aims to improve education for all, but its success depends on coordinated efforts and the commitment of all involved.

Skoobuzz believes that while the NEP holds great promise to change the educational scenario in India, overcoming the ongoing challenges will require both patience and persistence.