Vikash Sharma

The Madhusudan Law University in Cuttack, the eight decade-old institution named after Utkal Gourab Madhubabu, has been included in the list of ‘Universities’ established under Section 2(f) of the University Grants Commission (UGC) Act, 1956, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan tweeted on Wednesday.

The Odisha government had upgraded the status of Madhusudan Law College to ‘University’ on April 28, 2021 under the Odisha Universities Act, 1989 categorising it as a State University.

“Happy to share that Madhusudan Law University, Cuttack has been included in the list of Universities established as per section 2(f) of the UGC Act, 1956. The University will soon be able to receive central assistance under the section 12(b) of the UGC Act,” tweeted Pradhan.

The Union Minister further said Madhusudan Law University is one of the best law colleges in the region. The Central government is committed to transform the higher education landscape as per the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and in line with the National Education Policy (NEP).

The UGC in a letter to the Registrar of the Madhusudan Law University said, “The notification issued by the Government of Odisha with regard to the establishment of the university shall be placed before the State Legislature of Odisha as required under Section 32(4) of the Odisha University Act, 1989.”

UGC has clearly stated that the University shall operate only within territorial jurisdiction allotted to it under its Act and in no case beyond the territory of the State of its location. The University is not allowed to start any off-campus centre beyond the territorial jurisdiction.

List of other UGC Directives:

-To ensure that no programmes should be offered through franchising arrangement with private institutions. -To ensure that no study centre (s) are opened through franchises by the University.

-In case the University has already started any off-campus /study centre and the centre operating through franchises outside state, it must be closed immediately.

-No Open Distance Learning programmes and online programmes shall be started without prior recognition of UGC.

-M.Phil /Ph.D programmes can be conducted as per the provisions of UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Awards of M.Phil/Ph.D Degree) Regulations, 2016

-The University is required to follow all the UGC Regulations notified.

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