University Grants Commission (UGC)

It was established in 1953 on the lines of University Grants Commission of the United Kingdom, with the objective of coordination, determination and maintenance of standards of university education in India.

• The Commission consists of- a Chairman, a Vice-Chairman, and ten other members, all are appointed by the Central Government.

The mandate of the commission include,

• Promoting and coordinating university education.
• Determining and maintaining standards of teaching, examination and research in universities.
• Framing regulations on minimum standards of education.
• Monitoring developments in the field of collegiate and university education; disbursing grants to the universities and colleges.
• Serving as a vital link between the Union and state governments and institutions of higher learning.
• Advising the central and state governments on the measures necessary for improvement of university education.

Financial Functions

• Enquire into the financial needs of universities.
• Allocate and disburse, out of the funds of the Commission, grants to universities established or incorporated by or under a Central Act for the maintenance and development of such Universities or for any other general or specific purpose.
• Allocate and disburse, out of the funds of the Commission, such grants to other universities as it may be deemed (necessary or appropriate for the development of such Universities or for the maintenance or development or both of any specified activities of such Universities) or for any other general or specified purpose.

Issues

• Delayed disbursal of fellowship especially when it pertains to other ministry.
• Highly understaffed, impacting the quality standards of education.
• Nepotism in appointment of chairman of the commission.
• Allegations of corruption and over-regulations.
• As per TSR Subramanian Committee recommendations, UGC must be dissolved or must be reformed on the lines that it must focus only on improving the quality of education whereas fund disbursement functions must be entrusted on another agency.