25-05-2025
UDF Senators seek withdrawal of Kannur University's notification on private registration courses
The UDF Senators' Forum of Kannur University has written to the Chancellor, Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, demanding the immediate annulment of the university's recent notification, dated May 22, inviting applications for private registration courses. The forum has alleged that the move violates University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations and State law.
In a letter sent on Saturday (May 24), Forum convener Shino P. Jose described the university's continued offering of private registration courses as a serious offence against the student body. He warned that degrees issued under this unrecognised mode are likely to be invalid, jeopardising the future of enrolled students.
According to Mr. Jose, Kannur University had previously discontinued its distance education programmes after failing to meet the NAAC grade criteria mandated by the UGC. Despite this, the university has reportedly been running private registration programmes for the past five years — a mode of instruction not recognised by the UGC.
The UGC's 2020 regulations specify only three approved course delivery methods: regular, open and distance learning, and online. 'Any educational mode not listed under these is not recognised,' the Forum stressed, citing the UGC's submission to the Kerala High Court that private registration is not an approved method.
