The University Grants Commission (UGC) has identified three universities in Haryana as defaulters for failing to appoint the mandatory ombudsman, as required under the UGC (Redressal of Grievances of Students) Regulations, 2023. The defaulters include Maharana Pratap Horticultural University in Karnal, Sports University of Haryana in Rai, Sonipat, and Jagan Nath University in Jhajjar, which is a private institution.
This announcement is part of a broader compliance check by the UGC, which found that 157 universities across India still need to adhere to the regulations mandating the appointment of an ombudsman. Among these institutions are 108 state universities, two deemed universities, and 47 private universities. The UGC’s notice emphasized that the list of defaulters has been updated as of June 1, 2024, following communications from higher education institutions regarding their compliance status.
The UGC (Redressal of Grievances of Students) Regulations, 2023, mandate that all universities appoint an ombudsman to address student grievances promptly and effectively. This measure aims to ensure a transparent and fair mechanism for resolving student issues, thereby enhancing the overall educational environment.
Dr. Suresh Kumar Malhotra, Vice-Chancellor of Maharana Pratap Horticultural University, responded to the UGC’s notice, highlighting that their institution primarily focuses on horticulture and agriculture. He pointed out that they operate under the guidelines and accreditation provisions set by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), which governs their research, teaching, and extension services in agriculture. Dr. Malhotra acknowledged that despite their unique focus and regulatory framework, the university would comply with the UGC’s directive and appoint an ombudsman as required.
The UGC’s stringent regulations are designed to standardize student grievance redressal mechanisms across all universities, irrespective of their specialized focus or administrative structure. The inclusion of a significant number of state and private universities in the defaulter’s list indicates a widespread need for improved adherence to these regulations.
The appointment of ombudsmen is a critical step towards ensuring that students’ concerns are heard and addressed in a timely and impartial manner. Universities are expected to prioritize this mandate to foster a supportive and responsive educational environment. The UGC’s ongoing efforts to enforce these regulations reflect its commitment to upholding high standards of governance and accountability in Indian higher education institutions.
As universities across the country take steps to comply with the UGC’s requirements, the effectiveness of these measures in resolving student grievances and improving institutional accountability will be closely monitored. The ultimate goal is to create a more transparent, fair, and student-friendly higher education system in India.
