UGC Flags 27 Universities for Failing to Appoint Ombudspersons, Urges Immediate Compliance

Among the 19 Public Universities listed, names include the NLSIU Bengaluru, KUHS Thrissur, Delhi Sports University and Utkal University of Culture in Odisha.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a public notice identifying 27 universities that have yet to appoint Ombudspersons as required under the University Grants Commission (Redressal of Grievances of Students) Regulations, 2023.

This follows a prior notice issued on September 23, 2024, with the current list reflecting updates as of April 1, 2025, based on responses from Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). The UGC’s directive underscores the critical role of Ombudspersons in addressing student grievances, ensuring a fair and transparent academic environment.

The notice categorizes defaulting institutions into State, Private, and Deemed-to-be Universities, highlighting a mix of specialized and prominent institutions across India. The UGC has called on these universities to appoint Ombudspersons promptly and report compliance to designated email IDs, warning that continued non-compliance could lead to further regulatory action.

Defaulting State Universities: 19 Institutions

Among the 19 State Universities listed, notable names include the National Law School of India University in Bengaluru, a premier institution for legal education, and the Kerala University of Health Sciences in Thrissur, a key player in medical education. Other institutions include the Delhi Sports University and Utkal University of Culture in Odisha. These universities span diverse fields such as law, health sciences, sports, and cultural studies, representing states like Karnataka, Kerala, Delhi, and Odisha.

In its notice, the UGC emphasized that these institutions must prioritize appointing Ombudspersons to ensure students have access to an impartial grievance redressal system, which is vital for maintaining trust and accountability in higher education.

Defaulting Private Universities: 5 Institutions

The list includes five Private Universities, with prominent names like Jodhpur National University in Rajasthan and Sri Jagadhguru Marugarajendra University in Karnataka. These institutions, located in states such as Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Goa, cater to a wide range of academic disciplines. The UGC noted that private universities, often seen as agile and student-focused, must lead by example in implementing robust grievance redressal mechanisms. Failure to appoint Ombudspersons risks undermining student confidence and institutional credibility, particularly in a competitive higher education landscape.

Defaulting Deemed-to-be Universities: 3 Institutions

Three Deemed-to-be Universities were flagged, including the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga in Delhi and the National Institute of Technical Teachers Training & Research (NITTR) in Bhopal. These specialized institutions, recognized for their contributions to yoga and technical education, respectively, are expected to align with UGC regulations to uphold their academic reputation. The UGC stressed that Deemed-to-be Universities, often granted autonomy, bear a significant responsibility to model compliance with student-centric policies.

For further details, the UGC has directed universities and the public to consult the official notice on its website.

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