Ambika bhardwaj
Published On: January 19, 2022 at 17:34 IST
Educational Institutes have been warned not to offer online or traditional programmes in collaboration with Edtech companies by The Higher Education regulator University Grants Commission (UGC) and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).
The two bodies sent a notification to Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) instructing them to call off the agreements with Edtech companies. This was done after the Higher Education Secretary flagged advertisements that showed degrees and diplomas were being offered by Edtech firms through such franchise agreements with UGC recognised institutes.
The notification stated that such a franchise agreement is not allowed and action would be taken under relevant Laws against faltering education technology companies as well as HEIs.
Some universities were taking the assistance of Edtech firms in creating content as well as hiring teaching staff from these firms. While, on the other hand, some Edtech were awarding degrees.
According to an AICTE Officer, platforms or learning management systems given by Edtechs are used for teaching at Universities and Institutes. However, some others have entirely outsourced the management of their online courses to Edtech companies, which is not permitted.
Under the UGC (Open and Distance Learning Programmes and Online Programmes) Regulations, 2020, Higher Educational Institutes are permitted to offer online courses or distance learning programmes (DLPs).
According to the rules, these Institutes are entirely responsible for the programmes and are not permitted to offer them under franchise arrangements.
The notice issued on January 16 warned students of such arrangements and requested them to verify the recognition status of a programme before enrolling for it.
Also read: Right to Education in India