Hyderabad, Mar 27 (TNT): Vice-Chancellor of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University (BRAOU), Ghanta Chakrapani, on Thursday expressed concern that the University Grants Commission (UGC) is imposing stringent regulations on distance education institutions, creating difficulties for public sector universities.
Addressing the valedictory session of a two-day national conference titled “Beyond Boundaries: The New ODL Landscape” held at the university campus here, he said certain corporate colleges are being converted into ‘deemed universities’ within a short span, often without the knowledge of respective state governments.
Chakrapani cautioned that such trends are turning education into a corporate commodity, making it increasingly inaccessible for underprivileged students and placing an additional burden on those pursuing higher education.
He added that BRAOU, in collaboration with other open universities, is planning to introduce new programmes from the next academic year.
Vice-Chancellor of Uttarakhand Open University, Navin Chandra Lohani, who attended as the chief guest at the valedictory session, highlighted key challenges faced by the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) system, particularly in adapting to evolving educational demands.
He noted that open universities in China are performing better than traditional institutions and stressed that Indian open universities are facing operational challenges due to lack of adequate funding.
Lohani emphasised the need for distance education institutions to embrace technology and pointed out that many universities are developing self-learning materials with limited resources.
He appealed to the government to enhance funding support for the sector.
Speaking on the occasion, President of the Indian Distance Education Association (IDEA), K. Seetharama Rao, asserted that any attempts by regulatory bodies to restrict open universities would not be acceptable. He said distance education remains the only viable option for underprivileged sections of society.
Former Vice-Chancellor of Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University, E. Vayunandan, expressed concern that increasing regulations could undermine the autonomy and inclusive mandate of open universities.
Conference Director and Director (Academic) Pushpa Chakrapani presented a detailed report of the deliberations. The seminar featured extensive discussions on challenges in expanding distance education.
The two-day programme was organised by the Indian Distance Education Association (IDEA) in collaboration with BRAOU, with support from Indira Gandhi National Open University, Telangana Council for Higher Education and INFLIBNET, Gujarat.
During the plenary session, Sanjay Mishra delivered the Prof. G. Ram Reddy Memorial Lecture, highlighting his legacy as the “Father of Distance Education,” on the theme “Open Distance Policy and Leadership.”
E. Sudharani, Director, GRCR&D, presided over the session.
Earlier, a Round Table Meet-II on “NEP and Dual Mode Universities: Issues and Challenges” was held, chaired by S. Jeelani, Director, CDVL, University of Hyderabad.
The panel featured eminent academicians from across the country, including D. Harichandan; Razaullah Khan; J. Ramu Naidu; and K. Murali Manohar. Kishore Mendem served as the rapporteur for the session.
The conference witnessed participation from directors, deans, heads of departments, teaching and non-teaching staff, members of the Indian Distance Education Association (IDEA), and delegates from across the country.
TNT TS
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