With UGC’s ‘graded autonomy’, Central University of Himachal Pradesh sets its ambitions high

Raghav Guleria

Dharamsala, March 7

The Central University of Himachal Pradesh (CUHP) has added another feather to its cap by earning a coveted place among top eight Central universities across the country which have been accorded ‘graded autonomy’ by the University Grants Commission (UGC).

CUHP Vice-Chancellor Prof Sat Parkash Bansal, while addressing a press conference, termed this achievement an “incredible milestone” in the developmental trajectory and the “institutional distinctiveness” of the university. As a result, the CUHP will now enjoy a higher degree of autonomy in decision-making processes related to academic, administrative and financial matters.

Prof Bansal said, “The UGC is considering NAAC accreditation for this university. I personally congratulate the teaching, non-teaching staff and students whose concerted efforts have finally borne fruit.”

He expressed satisfaction that the CUHP can now start a new courses/programmes/ departments/schools/centres without the approval of 

the UGC.

“The CUHP can now begin diploma and certificate courses that are relevant to local, national or international needs,” the V-C said.

According to him, this conferment of graded autonomy status paves the way for the CUHP to start off-campus centres where no inspection of the UGC shall be required. He further said, “The CUHP can now start skill courses, consistent with the National Skills Qualification Framework, without approval of the UGC. The CUHP will now be in a position to hire foreign faculty from the top-500 of the world-renowned ranking frameworks.”

The accord of graded autonomy aims to empower universities with greater administrative and academic freedom to enhance their overall quality and performance that will open the pathways for a more flexible and adaptable higher education ecosystem in India. This would facilitate them to forge their own path to academic success and competitiveness worldwide.

To pave way for new scientific findings

Earlier in the day, a National Conference called ‘Digi Edu-2024’ was launched on the CUHP campus. The event is an initiative of the CUHP, in collaboration with the Consortium for Educational Communication (CEC). Prof Jagat Bhushan Nadda, Director, CEC, New Delhi, was the chief guest. He was received by Prof Sat Parkash Bansal, Vice-Chancellor, CUHP. The programme was attended by all departmental heads, faculty members and students of CUHP. He said, “The event is expected to pave the way for new scientific findings useful to the society in future.”