The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a warning for students against admission into the Bible Open University of India, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
The UGC said that the university is offering various degree courses/programmes in gross violation of the UGC Act, 1956.
According to Section 22 of the UGC Act, 1956, the open university has not been empowered to confer or grant degrees, the letter read.
The Commission advised students not to take admission in the educational institute.
According to the act, the right of conferring or granting degrees shall be exercised only by a University established or incorporated by or under a Central Act, a Provincial Act or a State Act or an institution deemed to be a University under Section 3 or an institution specially empowered by an Act of Parliament of confer or grant degrees.
“Whereas, Bible Open University of India" is neither enlisted under Section 2(f) or Section 3 in the list of Universities nor empowered to award any degree as per Section 22 of the UGC Act, 1956. Also, No institution, whether a corporate body or not, other than a University established or incorporated by or under a Central Act, a Provincial Act or a State Act shall be entitled to have the word "University" associated with its name in any manner whatsoever," read the UGC circular.
It further read, “Therefore, the general Public, students, parents and other stakeholders are cautioned through this public notice not to take admission in the above mentioned self-styled institution, taking admission in such self-styled institution may jeopardize the career of the students.”