Over 50 Private Universities Face UGC Action for Violating Disclosure Norms

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued formal notices to 54 private universities across India for failing to comply with mandatory disclosure regulations under Section 13 of the UGC Act, 1956. These institutions reportedly did not upload key information on their websites as required by the Public Self-Disclosure by Higher Education Institutions Guidelines, 2024.

The guidelines, issued on June 10, 2024, mandate that universities maintain functional and accessible websites where vital details—such as faculty information, academic programmes, infrastructure, governance structures, and financial disclosures—are available to the public without login barriers.

UGC’s Concerns Over Non-Compliance

Despite multiple reminders via emails and online meetings, these universities have not complied with the directive. The UGC emphasized that transparency and accountability are essential for students, parents, and stakeholders making informed decisions.

“The one-year time limit for compliance has already lapsed, and continued violations weaken public trust,” a UGC official stated.

States and Universities Under the Scanner

The 54 non-compliant universities span 18 states, including Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal.

Some notable institutions include:

• Bihar: Amity University, Dr. C.V. Raman University, Sandip University

• Madhya Pradesh: Azim Premji University, LNCT Vidyapeeth University, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Vedic Vishwavidyalaya

• Sikkim: Medhavi Skills University, Sikkim Alpine University

• Uttar Pradesh: Monad University, F.S. University, Agrawan Heritage University

Why Disclosure Matters

Experts highlight that compliance is not merely a bureaucratic formality but central to maintaining public accountability in higher education. Transparency ensures that stakeholders can assess the quality of teaching, research, infrastructure, and governance in universities.

The UGC has also warned that continued failure to comply may lead to stricter regulatory action and sanctions.

A Wake-Up Call for Higher Education Institutions

The move underscores a broader effort by regulatory authorities to enforce good governance and transparency in the higher education sector. It is also likely to prompt other private universities to strengthen their internal compliance mechanisms to avoid similar action.