In an unexpected turn of events, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has listed Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism and Communication (MCU) as a defaulter for not appointing an ombudsman, despite the university already fulfilling this requirement.
MCU had appointed retired Chief District and Sessions Judge Om Prakash Sunarya as its ombudsman on June 6, well within the UGC's stipulated deadline.
The UGC's Redressal of Grievances of Students Regulations 2023, notified on April 11 last year, required universities to appoint ombudspersons within 30 days. MCU's compliance was prompt, making the UGC's recent listing of the university as a defaulter particularly perplexing.
In response, MCU has written to the UGC secretary to request an update and remove MCU’s name from the list of defaulters. The university has expressed its dissatisfaction with the situation, highlighting the procedural oversight.
MCU Vice Chancellor Prof (Dr) K G Suresh expressed his dismay at the UGC's move, terming it "unfortunate" and surprising. "We complied with the UGC regulations in a timely manner by appointing Judge Om Prakash Sunarya on June 6. It is perplexing to see MCU listed as a defaulter despite our adherence to the guidelines," he stated.
The UGC's error has drawn attention to the need for accurate and updated record-keeping, especially when compliance by institutions is at stake. The university's administration hopes for a swift resolution and correction of the record to reflect MCU’s adherence to the regulations.
The ombudsman, or adjudicator, is crucial in ensuring transparency, accountability, and the fair resolution of grievances within educational institutions. By appointing Judge Sunarya, MCU has demonstrated its commitment to upholding these principles.
This incident underscores the importance of clear communication and verification processes between regulatory bodies and educational institutions. As MCU awaits the UGC's correction, it continues to stand by its compliance with the established regulations, advocating for accuracy in the documentation of such crucial appointments.
The academic community is watching closely, as the resolution of this matter will set a precedent for how procedural oversights are handled and rectified, ensuring that institutions are rightfully recognized for their compliance and efforts towards maintaining high standards of governance and student welfare.