The University Grants Commission (UGC) in its recent announcement has declared the online and distance learning (ODL) programs at the Periyar University (Tamil Nadu) as invalid for the academic year 2021-22 and further.
Periyar University was earlier recognized by UGC to offer education in ODL mode for the 2007 to 2015 session and for the 2019-20 session. However, now UGC has not given further recognition to continue the ODL mode of education. According to UGC, the varsity has violated some rules because of which they will not be approved to offer ODL education for the 2022-23 and 2023-24 sessions.
UGC said that Periyar University has been functioning without a full-time Director. There is inadequate faculty and non-teaching staff. They do not have an established center yet and have been running the ODL programs without prior approval of UGC, grossly violating the conditions laid down by UGC Regulations (Open and Distance Learning Programs and Online Programs) and its amendments.
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The Complaint Redressal Committee (CRC) has recommended UGC to not consider the application of Periyar University for the year 2022-23 to 2023-24. Also, the application submitted by the varsity for the year 2021-22 to offer ODL programs will not be processed as well.
UGC has strictly cautioned the general public to not take admission in any program in the Periyar University (Tamil Nadu) through the ODL mode as it may jeopardise their career since it is no longer a UGC recognized university for its ODL programs.
UGC had earlier declared another university namely Annamalai University, also in Tamil Nadu as invalid for offering ODL programs. UGC held the university responsible for the career consequences of its students. Therefore, it has become extremely important to check the approvals of any online university before taking admission as it directly affects your career.
