Karnataka State Open University de-recognized by UGC

Blaming the Karnataka State Open University for offering programmes through distance learning more by “blatantly flouting the norms”, the UGC has de-recognized the university in Mysore.

According to a public notice issues by UGC it has been mentioned that the KSOU was in collaboration with many private institutions, entities and coaching centres which were spread across all over the country and in abroad. They offered programmes through distance learning mode which were clear flouting of norms, guidelines and directives set by UGC and erstwhile Distance Education Council (DEC) of Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi.

The notice further said that the programmes that were in offer by KSOU, Mysore had no recognition by UGC beyond 2012-13. The show cause notice to the university was issued way back on June 10, 2011 and after hearing their response through the officials UGC decided to take up recognition during 2012-13. But the university further continued to offer programmes through distance learning mode which was clear violation of the UGC polity on territorial jurisdiction. It has also been offering professional/technical programmes without taking approval from the concerned authorities and bodies and violated the UGC norms. Further, the university had started offering online programmes that were not recognized by UGC and branded them as an exclusive method of distance education in the country.

Amongst the Open Universities and open leaning institutions in the country, the Karnataka State Open University was ranked on top of the charts after its establishment in June 1996. But situations deterred gradually, forcing UGC to pull out recognition over their faulty methods of offering courses to students.