UGC Could Stop Aid To Colleges Charging Capitation Fee!

New Delhi: The University Grants Commission has framed a set of new rules which could make a college ineligible to receive grants for charging capitation fee.

The UGC (Fitness of Colleges for Receiving Grants) Rules, 2019, which has been circulated among stakeholders for feedback, bars an institute from receiving aid if it indulges in profiteering.

According to a report in the Hindustan Times, the UGC in a recent meeting has decided to review the modalities under which the grants are received in light of the new rules framed.

What are the rules?

1. Colleges to charge fees which are prescribed by the appropriate state or central authorities.

2. Colleges will not ask for capitation fee or indulge in profiteering.

3. Institutes which are affiliated to a university will only receive a grant.

4. Colleges which follow UGC regulation and are in a position to run the campus at least for a year will receive grants.

5. Universities have to certify that the college fulfils all requirements for grant of permanent affiliation.

6. The affiliated university should verify the details of the college and give its observations online within 90 days. If the college fails to act on the deficiencies, it stands to lose aid.

In 2016, the Supreme Court had banned charging of capitation fee by educational institutes, but many colleges continue to flout the norms. The new rules would tighten the noose around such institutes, the news report said.

Under the existing provisions, UGC provides financial assistance to eligible colleges which are included under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act and declared fit to receive central assistance.