Supreme Court criticises UGC over slow pace of conducting verification of physical infrastructure and faculty strength of deemed universities black listed by a Centre-appointed Committee

The Supreme Court on Thursday came down heavily on the University Grant Commission (UGC) for going into “slumber” over conducting verification of physical infrastructure and faculty strength of deemed universities, which were black listed by a Committee appointed by the Centre.

Supreme Court of India

 “Why are you moving on at a snail’s pace,” a Bench of Justices Dipak Misra and Vikramajit Sen asked the UGC when it was told that the UGC has not yet submitted the report on seven such universities to the Centre.

“UGC is not waking up. You are a statutory body but unfortunately you are not doing your statutory duty,” the Bench remarked and added that “there is a need for you to come out of the slumber”.

The remarks were made when Additional Solicitor General Maninder Singh, appearing for UGC was trying to explain the circumstances for the delay by submitting that there was a need to modify the apex court order as the commission cannot go the way P N Tandon committee made categorisation of the deemed universities like “A”, “B” and “C” depending on the fulfilment of criteria. The UGC said it can only do the inspection and after seeking response of such universities, place the report with the Centre which has to express its view before the Apex Court.

Taking note of the submission of UGC, Centre and other stakeholders, the Bench asked the Commission to comply with its direction issued on 26 September 2014 on seven such universities and in respect of Gurukul Kangra Vishwavidyalay, within four weeks on physical verification.

The Bench also asked the Ministry of Human Resources Development to place its views before the Court within a week, following which, it posted the matter for hearing on  February 23, 2015.