The University Grants Commission (UGC) has taken a decisive step by announcing a list of universities that have failed to appoint ombudspersons despite repeated reminders. In an official notification, the commission disclosed that approximately 159 state universities, along with 67 private universities and 2 deemed to be universities, have yet to fulfill this crucial requirement.
The commission’s notification underscores the urgency of the matter, emphasizing that despite diligent reminders, these universities have not complied with the directive to appoint ombudspersons. The UGC had initially notified universities on April 11, 2023, urging them to appoint ombudspersons within 30 days of the notification of the University Grants Commission (Redressal of Grievances of Students) Regulations, 2023.
Subsequent reminders were issued, including one on December 5, 2023, reiterating the need for universities to appoint ombudspersons and implement other provisions of the UGC Regulations by December 31, 2023. The commission had clearly stated that universities failing to meet these requirements would be listed on the UGC website.
Among the universities mentioned in the list are notable institutions such as Andhra Pradesh Fisheries University, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwavidyalaya (Madhya Pradesh), Rajiv Gandhi University of Knowledge Technology (Telangana), and Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya (Chhattisgarh), among others. The complete list of defaulting universities can be accessed on the official website of the UGC.
This move by the UGC reflects its commitment to ensuring the welfare and rights of students across universities in India. The appointment of ombudspersons plays a crucial role in providing students with a mechanism for addressing grievances and concerns in a fair and impartial manner.
