UGC asks pvt univ VCs to stand against corruption

The University Grants Commission has asked the vice-chancellors of private universities to stand against corruption and irregularities at the universities in the country.

UGC chairman Prof Kazi Shahidullah and others officials came up with the call at a view-exchange meeting with the private university vice-chancellors to bring academic and administrative transparency and dynamism to the private universities.

The UGC chairman said that vice-chancellors should stand against any corruption and irregularities. Try to run the university in accordance with the existing laws and informed us if you face any problems, he added.

“You were appointed by the president. So, obey the law and be responsible and the UGC will stand by you if anyone tries to undermine your legal rights,” he told the vice-chancellors.

Prof Shahidullah warned of legal action against the universities which are not relocated to permanent campuses or have not taken any initiative even after 12 years of establishment.

Besides, he also advised them to open new departments and enrol students after completing the proper process.

He also urged the board of trustees and vice-chancellors to establish a system and discipline to ensure quality education in private universities.

UGC member Prof Dr Biswajit Chand said that the vice-chancellors appointed by the president are eminent academicians and respected persons of the society. He urged the vice-chancellors to be vigilant in acting as per the Private Universities Act 2010. He also requested constructive suggestions for improving the quality of higher education and research.

Prof Dr Biswajit Chand said that attempts are being made to resolve the backlog in the process of appointment of vice-chancellors, pro- vice-chancellors and treasurers in private universities.

He also said that the UGC is working to empower the vice-chancellors in private universities while the monitoring cell of the UGC is being strengthened to prevent irregularities and corruption in private universities.

He also said they are working to fix a uniform grading system and minimum salary structure at the private universities.

UGC’s private university division arranged the meeting with the commission chairman Prof Kazi Shahidullah in the chair. Vice-chancellors of 69 private universities participated in the open discussion where UGC secretary Ferdous Zaman and Director Omar Faruque also spoke.