Skip to main content

Hyderabad Urdu varsity chancellor protests UGC 'blocking' distance learning course

By A Representative 
Known to be close to BJP and dubbed Modi man, Firoz Bakht Ahmed, chancellor, Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU), Hyderabad, has strongly protested against the University Grants Commission (UGC), a Government of India body responsible for coordinating, determining and maintaining of standards of higher education, for blocking MAANU’s Directorate of Distance Education (DDE) from applying for the recognition of its courses.
In a letter to UGC, Ahmed said, “DDE at MANUU is the flagship department of the university and was created at the time of the inception of the university after its blue print was given by Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee -- the doyen of communal concord”, adding, “The university is recognised through this particular unit which has always been catering to thousands of students in remote areas all over the country.”
Ahmed said, as per the UGC notification dated September 04, 2020, open distance learning (ODL) courses require a minimum National Assessment And Accreditation Council (NAAC) rating of 3.01 to run the distance education courses. “MANUU had secured a decent grade of 3.09 when it was accredited by NAAC in 2016 which was based on its good performance in the previous five years corresponding to the 2010-15 phase in particular. As per the new parameters, this score is sufficient to run the ODL courses”, Ahmed said.
Asking UGC to allow MANUU to apply for recognition of ODL courses “for the sake of the cause of the nation and education and the well-being of the university” for 2021-22 “so that the main stakeholders, the students do not face any hardship or loss of time in their academic schedule and career in life” Ahmed said, “The institution caters to students from the humbler cross sections of our social strata”. He added, if the recognition is not granted, “it might mean devastation and disaster for thousands of lives of the budding citizens of India.”
Ahmed happens to be grand nephew of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, well-known freedom fighter close to Gandhi and Nehru and India’s first education minister. He was appointed MANUU chancellor under controversial circumstances in 2018.

Comments

Post a Comment

NOTE: Hateful, abusive comments won't be published. -- Editor

TRENDING

Gharapuri's discoveries: India finds a maritime past, ASI an app

By Gajanan Khergamker  The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has once again demonstrated an extraordinary talent for mistaking administrative housekeeping for institutional achievement. At the very moment excavations at Gharapuri are yielding evidence that could fundamentally reshape our understanding of India's maritime past, the institution has chosen to celebrate the rollout of QR-enabled audio guides and GPS-supported navigation at its monuments. The contrast could not be starker. 
Post a Comment
»

What's behind Columbia's president-elect speaking out against continuing the country’s peace agenda

By Laura Violeta Devia López  There are just over three weeks left before Abelardo De La Espriella takes office as Colombia’s new president, despite the numerous allegations that cast a shadow over his election and, as usual, discredit the Colombian electoral system. The announcements already being made by Abelardo and his designated cabinet mark a significant change of course, not only for the Colombian people but also for the country’s place in the world.
Post a Comment
»

Small Farm, big success: How an innovative couple built a model of sustainable farming

By Bharat Dogra  In Sema, a remote village in Rajasthan's Rajsamand district, Bhagwati Lal and his wife Rekha share equal credit for creating a remarkable farm that has become an inspiration for villagers and visitors alike. Their achievement demonstrates how even a very small piece of land can provide a strong foundation for sustainable livelihoods while enhancing climate resilience and protecting the environment.
Post a Comment
»