In a significant development that has sparked debate among academics, the Indian government has transferred the responsibility of granting equivalence certificates for foreign degrees from the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) to the University Grants Commission (UGC). This decision has raised concerns about the shift from an independent body like the AIU to a government-controlled agency like the UGC, with some arguing that it could go against global practices.
Key Change: UGC Takes Over the Responsibility
- AIU’s Role: The AIU, since its inception in 1925, has been responsible for issuing equivalence certificates for foreign degrees, allowing Indian students to pursue higher education or employment in India.
- Government’s Decision: The Ministry of Education has decided that UGC will take over this task. The Ministry argued that as a private entity, AIU was not in a position to manage such a crucial responsibility.
- UGC’s Involvement: In 2023, UGC proposed to take over the equivalence certification process and introduced draft regulations. After several discussions, the decision was formalized.
Why the Shift? Government’s Justification
- Private vs. Government-Controlled Bodies: According to a UGC official, the decision was made because the AIU is a private body, and it cannot be entrusted with such an important function. The government believes that UGC, being a statutory body, would be better suited for managing the equivalence process.
- Streamlining the Process: The UGC aims to provide a more regulated and standardized process for granting equivalence certificates.
Concerns Raised by Academics
- Independence and Expertise: Academics have expressed concerns that the shift from AIU to UGC may compromise the independence of the certification process. AIU, being an independent body, had the flexibility and expertise to evaluate foreign degrees effectively.
- Violation of Global Practices: Experts argue that globally, such equivalence certifications are typically handled by independent organizations, not government agencies, which could mean that India’s approach is out of line with international norms.
- Impact on Efficiency: Critics worry that the UGC may not be able to match AIU’s ability to efficiently process the growing number of foreign degree holders in India.
What’s Next for the UGC?
- Lack of Dedicated Wing: Despite the government’s decision, the UGC has yet to establish a dedicated wing or team of experts to handle the task. This raises questions about how well the process will be managed and whether the UGC is adequately prepared to take on this responsibility.
- Need for Expertise: Academics stress that for the process to be successful, the UGC must set up a specialized team with the right expertise to ensure the certification process remains transparent, efficient, and in line with global standards.
Conclusion
The transfer of responsibility for granting equivalence certificates from AIU to UGC represents a significant shift in India’s education system. While the government aims to streamline and regulate the process under a statutory body, many academics are concerned that the move could undermine the flexibility, expertise, and global standards that the AIU had established over decades. As the UGC takes over this responsibility, it will be crucial to see whether it can meet the expectations of students, academic institutions, and other stakeholders involved in the process.
