- The Chandigarh Administrator’s endorsement of the UGC’s initiative to promote college autonomy holds significant implications for Panjab University, heralding a transformative era for academic freedom and institutional empowerment of local colleges.
New Delhi / Chandigarh, India, May 29, 2025 — The University Grants Commission (UGC) has dispatched a fresh letter to the Vice-Chancellors of all universities, urging them to implement the University Grants Commission (Conferment of Autonomous Status upon Colleges and Measures for Maintenance of Standards in Autonomous Colleges) Regulations, 2023.
These comprehensive regulations underscore the significant role that universities play in bestowing autonomy upon colleges. This autonomy empowers colleges to operate with greater flexibility and to respond effectively to the needs of their communities and stakeholders. Furthermore, it serves as a fundamental principle in enhancing the quality of education and promoting academic excellence across institutions.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has noted that a substantial number of universities are failing to fulfill their obligations. Specifically, these institutions are not providing timely updates on the UGC portal concerning the processing of applications submitted by affiliated colleges seeking autonomous status.
Moreover, certain universities are not granting adequate autonomy to these colleges in critical areas, including curriculum design, the introduction of innovative courses, and the development of effective assessment methods for student performance. This fault in granting autonomy contravenes the stipulations outlined in the regulations, the UGC stated.
- In light of these issues, the UGC has urged all affiliating universities to implement the University Grants Commission (Conferment of Autonomous Status upon Colleges and Measures for Maintenance of Standards in Autonomous Colleges) Regulations, 2023, in full compliance.
Meanwhile, last week, the Department of Higher Education of Chandigarh Administration hosted a thought-provoking seminar titled “Making Chandigarh Colleges Autonomous” at Punjab Raj Bhavan. The seminar focused on the critical transition of colleges into independent institutions. The event was inaugurated by the Governor of Punjab, who also serves as the Administrator of the Union Territory of Chandigarh.
The event garnered a distinguished audience, which included several prominent officials. Among the attendees were the Joint Secretary of the University Grants Commission (UGC), the Principal Secretary to the Governor, the Secretary of Education for Chandigarh, the Special Secretary to the Administrator of Chandigarh, and the Director of Higher Education for the Chandigarh Union Territory.
The seminar also included participation from principals of all government and private colleges across the city, as well as the Vice-Chancellor of Panjab University, which affiliates these colleges. The attendees actively engaged in discussions, expressing strong support for the initiative to “Make Colleges in Chandigarh Autonomous.” They believed this would empower educational institutions and provide them with the freedom and flexibility to tailor their academic structures and programs to meet better the needs of their students and the broader Chandigarh community.
- The Raj Bhavan seminar highlighted the profound transformations that have occurred in Chandigarh’s educational landscape over the past decade. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the new UGC regulations have modified the framework. Colleges located in Chandigarh can now become autonomous, establishing their own academic standards and operational policies. As such, they will no longer be required to comply with the procedures imposed by the affiliating university, namely Panjab University, whose reign is now over.
Sources: UGC; Punjab Raj Bhavan
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