Page 532 - Compendium of UGC Regulations 1957-2023

Regulations pertaining to Credits, Academic Programmes and Award of Degrees:

(2) If a Higher Educational Institution offers any programme in Open and Distance
Learning mode or Online mode after the coming into force of the order withdrawing
recognition under sub-regulation (1) or fails to obtain recognition under these regulations
for offering programmes in Open and Distance Learning mode or Online mode for
academic session and subsequent academic sessions, the degree obtained pursuant to
such programme or after undertaking a programme in Open and Distance Learning
mode and/or Online mode in such Higher Educational Institutions, shall not be treated
as a valid qualification:
Provided that the programmes of the Higher Educational Institutions recognised by the
Commission under UGC (Open and Distance Learning) Regulations, 2017 and UGC
(Online Courses or Programmes) Regulations, 2018 shall remain valid programmes for
the period as mentioned in the Commission Orders.

(3) In the event of any Higher Educational Institution found offering programmes in
Open and Distance Learning mode and/or Online mode without recognition of the
Commission or in violation to any of the provisions of these regulations and guidelines
or orders made there under, the Commission may-
(i) issue Show-Cause Notice;
(ii) withdraw the recognition of a programme or some programmes or all the
programmes for an academic session or withdraw the recognition, maximum up
to next five academic sessions not only for such Open and Distance Learning
programmes and/or Online programmes but also for other programmes offered by
the institutions in regular and conventional mode;
(iii) if, in spite of above, the Higher Educational Institution is found continuing the
violations, a First Information Report may be lodged against the officials or
management of the errant Higher Educational Institution to take action as per law;

(iv) withhold or debar from receiving University Grants Commission grants;
(v) refer the matter to the Central or State Government, as applicable for withdrawal
of Higher Educational Institution status;
(vi) take action as per the provisions of the Act or Rules or Regulations as applicable
to the Higher Educational Institution;
(vii) put in the public domain a list of such defaulters Higher Educational Institutions;
(viii) in case of a non-recognized Higher Educational Institution offering programmes
in Open and Distance Learning mode and/or Online mode, punitive action
mentioned at clauses (i), (iii), (v) and (vii) shall be exercised by the Commission
keeping in view future of the learners.
PART III

MAINTENANCE OF INFRASTRUCTURAL, ACADEMIC AND OTHER QUALITY
STANDARDS BY HIGHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

8. Systems Management, Structure and Processes.─ (1) An Open University shall have
designated Schools of Studies for design and development of programmes in Open and
Distance Learning mode and, which shall be headed by a regular functionary on full time
dedicated basis not below the rank of an Associate Professor and shall have appropriate and
adequate academic, technical, administrative staff and infrastructural resources as specified
in Annexure-IV. The Open University shall also have appropriate departments such as
operational department for admissions, learner support and examinations.

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University Grants Commission