A large number of higher educational institutions are in a quandary, with the compulsion of applying for NAAC accreditation and at the same time the NAAC Chief calling it a fraud.
The Executive Committee Chairman of the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) Bhushan Patwardhan has written to the University Grants Commission to conduct an enquiry into the functioning of NAAC. He has tendered his resignation alleging malpractices in the procedure for assessment and accreditation by NAAC.
With the NAAC Chairman levelling serious allegations of corruption in NAAC gradation, the institutions of Higher Education (IHE) are compelled to apply for NAAC assessment before March 31. The IHE have also been threatened with withdrawal of grants and also recognition, in case of failure to undergo the NAAC assessment.
Meanwhile, NAAC also appointed some consultants for completing the procedure mandatory for the assessment. Patwardhan levelling serious allegations of corruption is evident from the fact that higher NAAC grades were obtained by some IHEs, which are known to lack even basic facilities for the students. At the same time the institutions of repute, which carried out the procedure honestly have been awarded lower grades.
Under the new National Education Policy 2020 plans for the upgradation of higher education were projected. The plan was appreciated at all levels. The IHE was directed to frame a curriculum which is practical oriented. Skill development is being emphasised. UGC issued several notifications for the effective implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP). At the same time, NAAC gradation has been made mandatory. With NAAC itself under the scanner, the managements of IHE feel that falling prey to malpractices is necessary for getting a higher grade.
The majority of the institutions have refrained from applying for NAAC accreditation for different reasons. The NAAC chief levelling charges of corruption has pushed them to a different corner. ‘To apply or not to apply?’ is the question confronting them.
