UGC to withhold institute’s course recognition, cancel autonomy status for defying fee refund policy

NEW DELHI: The University Grants Commission (UGC) issued a warning to the higher educational institutions for non-compliance of fee refund policy. The commission warned defaulter institutions of strict action including withholding of programme recognition, cancellation or non-grant of autonomy status, and informing public and aspirants, for not refunding students’ fee on admission cancellation.

“It is again reiterated that if the institution fails to follow the UGC Fee Refund Policy, UGC shall be bound to take strict measures against the defaulter institution which can be withholding of the existing Online/ODL programme recognition/entitlement or not accepting the fresh application for the same, withdrawal cf 2(f) & 12(B) Status, withholding the grants, cancelation/Non-Grant of Autonomy/Graded Autonomy Status, informing the general public, including potential candidates for admission, through a notice displayed prominently in the newspapers or other suitable media and posted on the website of the commission about non-compliance by the HEl or taking such other action within its powers as the Commission may deem fit,” said UGC in an official notice.

The commission said that it has issued several notices and circulars in the last four years providing directions to the HEIs regarding fee refunds for students who cancel their admissions before the specified timeline. It also mentioned the decisions taken during the meetings held in December last year and May this year ordering institutions to comply with the fee refund policy and process the refunds without delay.

The commission’s warning comes after it noticed that despite repeated oral and written communications, the HEIs have failed to adhere to the UGC guidelines. “Refusal to refund fees based on the institution's interpretation of UGC notifications raises concerns and the non-compliance may result in punitive actions outlined in Clause 5 of the UGC Notification on Refund of Fees and Non-Retention of Original certificates issued in October 2018,” it stated.

UGC lastly requested the vice-chancellors of universities and principals of colleges to take this on top priority and do the needful in the best interest of students.