UGC asks higher education institutions to comply with public self-disclosure guidelines

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has asked Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) to comply with the guidelines on public self-disclosure. Such directive assumes significance as the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasizes transparent self-disclosure by Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).

Public self-disclosure is one of the fundamental principles of the NEP as it contemplates that HEIs shall be responsible and accountable to the stakeholders through transparent self-disclosure of all relevant records.

"The availability of information in the public domain is an important source of accountability. Stakeholders in the higher education system, such as students, parents, research scholars, prospective students, regulatory bodies, accreditation agencies, alumni, and the public, desire to seek information from the websites of HEIs," UGC said in its letter.

Guidelines

As per the guidelines, all Higher Education Institutions are required to maintain a functional website to provide relevant information to stakeholders.

The information disclosed on the website should be easily accessible to everyone without any need for registration or login. Additionally, there should be a 'Search' facility available for easy navigation.