In a recent development, 14 new Higher Education Institutes have been recognised for open and distance learning by the University Grants Commission. Already 82 such institutes have been acknowledged by the UGC in May this year.
In December 2012, as per the directions of the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Department of Higher Education, regarding Distance Education programs, all the regulatory functions were allocated to Universities Grant Commission and thereby Distance Education Council was dissolved. Until then, DEC was the former regulator of throughout the country.
Earlier in 2015, MHRD through a notification published in the Gazette of India recognised all the degrees and diplomas given out through open and distance mode of education by the universities established under an Act of Parliament or State Legislature, Institutions (Deemed to be Universities under UGC Act, 1956) and Institutions of National Importance under an Act of Parliament which are automatically acknowledged for the purpose of providing employment to posts and services under the Central Government, though only if they have been approved by the UGC.
A state-wise list of the 14 new higher education institutes and the 82 Higher Education Institutes can be accessed on the official website of Universities Grants Commission.
