Institutes of higher learning likely to face financial crisis
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, February 062015 :
Non-accreditation of Manipur University and other colleges under NACC may force University Grants Commission (UGC) to halt financial assistance given to higher educational institutions of Manipur.
Taking a tough line, University Grants Commission (UGC), New Delhi, has issued an ultimatum to various Universities; Colleges and Institutions.
The notification No..F1-1/2014 (DC), dated January 29 and issued by Prof Jaspal Singh Sandhu, UGC Secretary said that if the universities; colleges and institutions did not apply to recognised Accreditation Agency latest by December 31, UGC may discontinue providing financial assistance from April 1, 2016 .
It may be mentioned that accreditation under NAAC is for a period of five years.
According to reliable sources, at present Manipur University (MU) and many colleges of Manipur are not accredited under NAAC.
MU was graded B by NAAC in 2005.However, the university was removed from the list of NACC accredited institutions from 2011 and from then onwards, MU has not been accredited till today.
Sources said efforts were made during the vice chancellorship of Prof C Amuba to apply for NAAC accreditation.
It is said financial constraints and late submission of reports by MU were the primary hurdle towards the application for NAAC grading.
Sources also added that at present, there are only seven (7) colleges that are accredited under NACC and notable amongst them are DM College of Arts; DM College of Science; GP Women's College; S Kula Women's College and United College, Chandel.
S Kula Women's College is the only A graded institute of higher learning in Manipur.
In Manipur, there are now 34 Government colleges; 18 private affiliated colleges; 6 permitted private colleges and 8 Government aided colleges.
If institutes of higher learning did not apply for NAAC accreditation by December 31, there is a probability that Manipur may lag behind in the race for higher education.