UNIVERSITY GRANTS COMMISSION (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Social Issues -Education)

Context: Recently, the Education Ministry and UGC clarified that centrally funded universities will not de-reserve reserved faculty positions, amidst uproar over draft guidelines proposing vacancy opening for SC, ST, OBC candidates to general candidates in "rare and exceptional cases."

University Grants Commission

• About: Established in 1956, this statutory body's primary responsibilities include the coordination, determination, and maintenance of higher education standards in India.
• Coordination and Standards: Charged with coordination, determination, and maintenance of standards in higher education.
• Recognition and Funding: Provides recognition to Indian universities and disburses funds to recognized universities and colleges.
• Pre-Independence Roots: Originally formed in 1946 to oversee three Central Universities, expanding to all existing universities after independence.
• Post-Independence Evolution: University Education Commission in 1948 recommended the UGC's reconstitution, aligning it with the UK's University Grants Commission model.
• Function: Granting recognition to universities and colleges across the country.

oIt is responsible for disbursing funds to the universities and colleges that have received recognition.