UGC – Infonet: A Project
for Interlinking Universities and Colleges

The University Grants Commission has launched a mega project of interlinking Universities and Colleges in the Country electronically with a view to achieving maximum efficiency through internet enabled teaching, learning and governance. The UGC – Infonet will be overlaid on ERNET Infrastructure in a manner so as to provide assured quality of service and optimum utilization of bandwidth resources. The network will be run and managed by ERNET India. The project is funded by UGC with 100% capital investment and upto 90% of recurring costs. UGC and ERNET India have signed the necessary MoU for this purpose. A joint technical and tariff committee, has been setup to guide and monitor the design, implementation and operations of UGC–Infonet. Information for Library Network (INFLIBNET), an autonomous Inter -University Centre of UGC, is the nodal agency for coordination and facilitation of the linkage between ERNET and the Universities. The Salient features of the project are:- „ Scaleable Architecture to extend the network from Universities to affiliated Colleges as well. „ Nation – wide Terrestrial Backbone using Fibre Optic Links. „ Integrated Satellite WAN

supporting broadband and SCPC V–SAT technology. „ Comprehensive Network Management System for overall monitoring of the network down to each and every device. „ Linkage with other Academic and Research Networks all over the world. „ Data Security and virus protection using firewalls and Intrusion Detection Systems. „ Dedicated Data Center for Web hosting, e-journals and Mail Boxes. „ Mirror sites spread all over the country for content hosting. „ Broadband Multimedia and Video Channels for Distance Learning. „ Vehicle for distance learning to facilitate spread of quality education all over the country. „ Tool to distribute education material and journals to the remotest areas. „ Resources for researches and scholars for tapping the most up-to-date information. „ UGC – Infonet will be an Intranet for University Automation. „ Encompass entire University Systems for efficient utilization of network resources. „ Channel for Globalisation of Education and for facilitation of the universities in marketing their services.


 
Other highlights of Golden Jubilee Celebrations :

„ Release of a CD-ROM and Book on Technology Database of Indian Universities by Prof. Rita Verma, Minister of State for Human Resource Development. „ Activation of UGC Information Network by HRD Minister, Prof. Murli Manohar Joshi. „ Inauguration (electronically) of the Inter-University Centre (IUC) for International studies, Hyderabad, the first IUC in the field of Humanities and Social Sciences, which will provide a platform for academicians from India, SAARC region, South-East, Central Asian and other countries.

X Plan Special Schemes

„ Performance Linked funding „ Development of Universities and Colleges in Backward Areas „ Special Development Grant for Young Universities „ Digital Repository of Research and Teaching Material „ Schemes for Geographically isolated Regions „ Colleges with Potential for Excellence