The University Grants Commission has asked colleges to constitute an independent, external appellate authority to address student grievances.

This is a reiteration of some previously existing guidelines of the UGC that lays down recommendations to be followed by all higher educational institutions across the country. The constitution of this authority has been specified in the guidelines.

In a letter, UGC Chairman Prof M Jagadesh Kumar said, “You will agree that a robust and transparent system for the redressal of grievances of students in an educational institute is of utmost importance. An opportunity to redress grievances in a time-bound manner is fundamental to the relationship between students and Higher Education Institutions (HEIS). Therefore, as HEIs, we must strive to provide channels to redress students’ grievances.”

He said that this must be a standardised group of people, who will work independently and all appointees will be appointed from outside the higher educational institution where they work with students.

“To frame a simplified yet effective mechanism for students’ grievances redressal, the UGC has brought out the University Grants Commission (Redressal of Grievances of Students) Regulations, 2023. The regulations provide details for the establishment of the Students Grievances Redressal Committee(s) (SGRC) by all the HEIS and the appointment of the Ombudsperson(s) at the Institute or University level.

“We must collectively intensify the operationalization of grievance redressal mechanisms in our institutes. I expect the UGC (Redressal of Grievances of Students) Regulations, 2023, will assist your institution in strengthening the student grievance redressal mechanisms,” said Kumar.

Other guidelines

•       Set up online portal within three months for students to submit applications for grievance redressal
•       Forward complaint to the committee within 15 days of receipt to the redressal committee
•       Unresolved grievances must be referred to ombudsman
•       Colleges must act as per directions of the ombudsman
•       Action will be taken against false or fraudulent complaints