The University Grants Commission (UGC) has debarred the Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management (GITAM), Andhra Pradesh from offering courses in open and distance learning (ODL) and online learning mode for 2021-22 academic session.
As per a latest circular, GITAM has been banned for one year to offer these courses as it allegedly violated the prescribed norms set for ODL and online programmes. Besides, the institute has been admitting students in violations of provisions under previous and current regulations, an UGC notice issued on September 14 read.
“It is for information of the general public that in exercise of its power given in UGC Act, 1956 (as amended); UGC has notified University Grants Commission (Open and Distance Learning) Regulations, 2017 on 23.06.2017 and University Grants Commission (Online Courses or Programmes) Regulations, 2018 on 04.07.2018 in the Gazette of India. Further, in supersession of the both, UGC has notified University Grants Commission (Open and Distance Learning Programmes and Online Programmes) Regulations, 2020 in the Gazette of India on 04.09.2020,” the notice read.
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As per UGC, the Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management (GITAM), Andhra Pradesh has not adhered to the above regulations and admitting students in violations of the provisions under previous and current regulations.
Therefore, the Commission has taken a serious view on the above violations and decided in its 551st meeting held on 01.07.2021, to debar/ban the HEI (Higher Educational Institution) from offering ODL and Online programme for one year.
The UGC has directed GITAM, Andhra Pradesh not to admit any student in any of the ODL and Online programme during the period of one year when the ban is in force.
“Therefore, general public is advised not to take admission in any course/programme of Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management (GITAM), Andhra Pradesh through distance education and online mode for next one year i.e. 2021-22, the notice added.