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**Report: Analysis of University Grants Commission Open and Distance Learning Programmes and Online Programmes Second Amendment Regulations, 2022**
**1. Executive Summary:**
This report analyzes the University Grants Commission (UGC) Open and Distance Learning Programmes and Online Programmes Second Amendment Regulations, 2022, as published in the Gazette of India on July 18, 2022. The core purpose of this amendment is to broaden the acceptable identification documents for foreign or international learners seeking admission to UGC-recognized online programs through the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. The key finding is that this amendment eases the authentication process for such students by allowing any national identity document with a photograph from their country of residence to be accepted.
**2. Introduction:**
This report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the University Grants Commission Open and Distance Learning Programmes and Online Programmes Second Amendment Regulations, 2022, based solely on the provided official text. The analysis focuses on the specific changes introduced by the amendment and their potential implications.
**3. Policy Overview:**
* This document is an amendment to the University Grants Commission Open and Distance Learning Programmes and Online Programmes Regulations, 2020.
* **Core Objective (inferred):** To facilitate the admission of foreign or international learners into UGC-recognized online programs. This is inferred from the specific provisions made to accommodate foreign learners.
**4. Background and Rationale:**
* **Rationale for Amendment:** The amendment appears to address potential barriers faced by foreign students in providing standard authentication documents (presumably, those required under the original 2020 regulations). By allowing national identity cards with photographs issued by the learner's country of residence, the amendment likely aims to simplify the admission process and increase accessibility to Indian online programs for international learners who are applying through the Ministry of External Affairs.
**5. Key Provisions / Changes:**
The core change introduced by this amendment involves altering identification requirements for foreign or international learners applying to UGC-recognized online programs through the Ministry of External Affairs. Specifically, the following parts of the original regulations are amended:
* **Regulation 4, Clause C, Subclause iv:** A proviso is added stating that for foreign learners admitted through the Ministry of External Affairs, any national identity document with a photograph from their country of residence is acceptable for authentication.
* **Regulation 13, Clause C, Subclause 4:** A proviso is added stating that for foreign learners admitted through the Ministry of External Affairs, any national identity document with a photograph from their country of residence is acceptable for authentication.
* **Regulation 14, Clause 2, Subclause v:** A proviso is added stating that for foreign learners admitted through the Ministry of External Affairs, any national identity document with a photograph from their country of residence is acceptable for authentication.
* **Regulation 15, Clause C, after Subclause 3:** A proviso is added stating that for foreign learners admitted through the Ministry of External Affairs, any national identity document with a photograph from their country of residence is acceptable for authentication.
* **Annexure II, Paragraph I, Subparagraph B, after Clause 2:** A proviso is added stating that for foreign learners admitted through the Ministry of External Affairs, any national identity document with a photograph from their country of residence is acceptable for authentication.
**Effect of the Changes:** The amendment relaxes the previously stipulated identification requirements for foreign learners. Instead of needing specific documents that may be difficult to obtain, they can now use their national ID with a photograph. This is expected to make the application process smoother and more inclusive.
**6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:**
* **Directly Affected:** Foreign or international learners seeking admission to UGC-recognized Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and online programs through the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.
* **Other Stakeholders:** The University Grants Commission (UGC), Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) offering ODL and online programs, and the Ministry of External Affairs.
**7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):**
* **Responsible Agency:** The University Grants Commission (UGC) is responsible for implementing and overseeing the regulations, as indicated by the notification. The Ministry of External Affairs is involved in the admission process for foreign students.
* **Procedures:** The amendment suggests that HEIs offering UGC-recognized online programs will need to update their admission procedures to accept the broader range of identification documents from eligible foreign students.
* **Timelines:** The amendment came into force on the date of its publication in the Official Gazette, which is July 18, 2022.
**8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:**
The intended outcome of these amendments is likely to:
* **Increase enrollment:** Facilitate a higher number of foreign students enrolling in UGC-recognized online programs.
* **Improve accessibility:** Make Indian online education more accessible to international learners, especially those who may face difficulties in providing specific forms of identification.
* **Streamline admissions:** Simplify and expedite the admission process for foreign students applying through the Ministry of External Affairs.
**9. Conclusion:**
The University Grants Commission Open and Distance Learning Programmes and Online Programmes Second Amendment Regulations, 2022, represents a targeted effort to streamline the admission process for foreign students seeking to enroll in Indian online programs. By broadening the acceptable forms of identification, the amendment is likely to enhance accessibility, promote inclusivity, and facilitate increased international participation in Indian online education. The changes are significant because they directly address a potential barrier to entry for foreign learners.
Key Entities Referenced
University Grants Commission: Regulatory body responsible for the coordination, determination and maintenance of standards of university education in India.
University Grants Commission Act, 1956: The act of the Parliament of India that established the University Grants Commission.
Central Government: The executive branch of the Government of India.
University Grants Commission Open and Distance Learning Programmes and Online Programmes Regulations, 2020: Regulations established by the University Grants Commission pertaining to open, distance, and online learning programs.
Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India: The government agency responsible for the foreign relations of India.
Gazette of India: An official journal of the government of India, publishing official rules, regulations and notifications.
New Delhi: Capital of India
रजिस्ट्री स.ं डी.एल.- 33004/99 REGD. No. D. L.-33004/99
सी.जी.-डी.एल.-अ.-18072022-237335
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असाधारण
EXTRAORDINARY
भाग III—खण् ड 4
PART III—Section 4
प्राजधकार स ेप्रकाजित
PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY
स.ं 360] नई ददल्ली, सोमिार, िुलाई 18, 2022/आर्ाढ़ 27, 1944
No. 360] NEW DELHI, MONDAY, JULY 18, 2022/ASHADHA 27, 1944
जिश्वजिद्यालय अनदु ान आयोग
अजधसचू ना
नई ददल्ली, 18 िुलाई, 2022
फा. स.ं 1-27/2021 (डीईबी-I).—जिश्वजिद्यालय अनुदान आयोग अजधजनयम, 1956 (1956 का 3) की
धारा 12 के खंड (ञ) के साथ पठित धारा 26 की उप-धारा (1) द्वारा प्रदत्त िजियों का प्रयोग करत े हुए, केंद्र सरकार के
पूिव अनुमोदन स,े जिश्वजिद्यालय अनुदान आयोग इसके द्वारा जिश्वजिद्यालय अनुदान आयोग (मुि एि ं दरू स्ट्थ ज्ञान अिवन
कायवक्रम और ऑनलाइन कायवक्रम) जिजनयम, 2020 म ेंसंिोधन करते हुए जनम्नजलजखत जिजनयम बनाता ह,ै नामत : -
1. लघ ु िीर्कव और प्रारंभ:- (1) इन जिजनयमों को जिश्वजिद्यालय अनुदान आयोग (मुि एिं दरू स्ट्थ ज्ञान अिवन कायवक्रम
और ऑनलाइन कायवक्रम) जद्वतीय संिोधन जिजनयम, 2022 कहा िाएगा ।
(2) ये िासकीय रािपत्र में उनके प्रकािन की जतजथ स ेप्रिृत्त होंगे।
2. जिश्वजिद्यालय अनुदान आयोग (मुि एिं दरू स्ट्थ ज्ञान अिनव कायवक्रम और ऑनलाइन कायवक्रम) जिजनयम, 2020 (यहा ं
मूल जिजनयम के रूप म ें संदर्भतव ) म,ें जिजनयम 4 के खंड (ग) म,ें उप-खंड (iv) म,ें मद (क) के बाद, जनम्नजलजखत परंतुक को
अंत:स्ट्थाजपत दकया िाएगा, नामत:-
"बित े दक जिश्वजिद्यालय अनदु ान आयोग द्वारा मान्यता प्राप्त या अजधकृत ऑनलाइन कायवक्रमों में जिदेि
मंत्रालय, भारत सरकार के माध्यम स े जिदेिी या अंतराष्ट्रव ीय जिक्षार्थवयों के प्रिेि के जलए, उनके जनिास दिे का
कोई भी तस्ट्िीर यिु राष्ट्रीय पहचान पत्र, प्रमाणीकरण के जलए स्ट्िीकायव होगा।"
4736 GI/2022 (1)2 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART III—SEC.4]
3. उि मलू जिजनयमों म,ें जिजनयम 13 म,ें खंड (ग) म,ें उप-खंड (4) म,ें मद (ii) के बाद, जनम्नजलजखत परंतुक को
अंतःस्ट्थाजपत दकया िाएगा, नामत:-
"बित े दक जिश्वजिद्यालय अनदु ान आयोग द्वारा मान्यता प्राप्त या अजधकृत ऑनलाइन कायवक्रमों में जिदेि
मंत्रालय, भारत सरकार के माध्यम स े जिदेिी या अंतराष्ट्रव ीय जिक्षार्थवयों के प्रिेि के जलए, उनके जनिास दिे का
कोई भी तस्ट्िीर यिु राष्ट्रीय पहचान पत्र, प्रमाणीकरण के जलए स्ट्िीकायव होगा।"
4. उि मूल जिजनयमों म,ें जिजनयम 14 म,ें खंड (2) में, उप-खंड (v) म,ें मद (क) के बाद, जनम्नजलजखत परंतुक को
अंतःस्ट्थाजपत दकया िाएगा, नामत:-
"बित े दक जिश्वजिद्यालय अनदु ान आयोग द्वारा मान्यता प्राप्त या अजधकृत ऑनलाइन कायवक्रमों में जिदेि
मंत्रालय, भारत सरकार के माध्यम स े जिदेिी या अंतराष्ट्रव ीय जिक्षार्थवयों के प्रिेि के जलए, उनके जनिास दिे का
कोई भी तस्ट्िीर यिु राष्ट्रीय पहचान पत्र, प्रमाणीकरण के जलए स्ट्िीकायव होगा।"
5. उि मूल जिजनयमों म,ें जिजनयम 15 म,ें खंड (ग) म,ें उप-खंड (3) के बाद, जनम्नजलजखत परंतुक को अंतःस्ट्थाजपत दकया
िाएगा, नामत:-
"बित े दक जिश्वजिद्यालय अनदु ान आयोग द्वारा मान्यता प्राप्त या अजधकृत ऑनलाइन कायवक्रमों में जिदेि
मंत्रालय, भारत सरकार के माध्यम स े जिदेिी या अंतराष्ट्रव ीय जिक्षार्थवयों के प्रिेि के जलए, उनके जनिास दिे का
कोई भी तस्ट्िीर यिु राष्ट्रीय पहचान पत्र, प्रमाणीकरण के जलए स्ट्िीकायव होगा।"
6. उि मूल जिजनयमों म,ें अनुलग्नक II, म ें अनुच्छेद I म,ें उप- अनुच्छेद (ख) म,ें खंड 2 के बाद, जनम्नजलजखत परंतुक को
अंतःस्ट्थाजपत दकया िाएगा, नामत: -
"बित े दक जिश्वजिद्यालय अनदु ान आयोग द्वारा मान्यता प्राप्त या अजधकृत ऑनलाइन कायवक्रमों में जिदेि
मंत्रालय, भारत सरकार के माध्यम स े जिदेिी या अंतराष्ट्रव ीय जिक्षार्थवयों के प्रिेि के जलए, उनके जनिास दिे का
कोई भी तस्ट्िीर यिु राष्ट्रीय पहचान पत्र, प्रमाणीकरण के जलए स्ट्िीकायव होगा।"
रिनीि िैन, सजचि (यूिीसी)
[जिज्ञापन III/4/असा./183/2022-23]
नोट : मूल जिजनयम भारत के रािपत्र, असाधारण, भाग-III, खंड 4 म ें जम.स.ं1-1/2020 (डीईबी-I) ददनांक 4 जसतंबर,
2020 के अंतगवत प्रकाजित दकए गए थ े तथा संिोजधत अजधसूचना जम.सं.1-10/2020 (डीईबी-I) ददनांक
1 िुलाई, 2021 के अन्तगवत भारत के रािपत्र, असाधारण, भाग-III, खंड 4 म ेंअजधसूजचत दकए गय ेथ े।
UNIVERSITY GRANTS COMMISSION
NOTIFICATION
New Delhi, the 18th July, 2022
F. No. 1-27/2021 (DEB-I). —In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 26
read with clause (j) of section 12 of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956 (3 of 1956) with the
previous approval of Central Government, the University Grants Commission hereby makes the following
regulations to amend the University Grants Commission (Open and Distance Learning Programmes and
Online Programmes) Regulations, 2020, namely:-
1. Short title and commencement. - (1) These regulations may be called the University Grants
Commission (Open and Distance Learning Programmes and Online Programmes) Second Amendment
Regulations, 2022.
(2) It shall come into the force from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.
2. In the University Grants Commission (Open and Distance Learning Programmes and Online
Programmes) Regulations, 2020 (herein referred as the principal regulations), in regulation 4, in clause
(C), in sub-clause (iv) after item (a), the following proviso shall be inserted, namely:—[भाग III—खण् ड 4] भारत का रािपत्र : असाधारण 3
“Provided that for admission of foreign or international learners through the Ministry of External
Affairs, Government of India, in UGC recognised or entitled online programmes, any national
identity with photograph of their country of residence shall also be acceptable for authentication”;
3. In the principal regulations, in regulation 13, in clause (C), in sub-clause (4), after item (ii), the
following proviso shall be inserted, namely:—
“Provided that for admission of foreign or international learners through the Ministry of External
Affairs, Government of India, in UGC recognised or entitled online programmes, any national
identity with photograph of their country of residence shall also be acceptable for authentication”.
4. In the principal regulations, in regulation 14, in clause (2), in sub-clause (v), after item (a), the
following proviso shall be inserted, namely:—
“Provided that for admission of foreign or international learners through the Ministry of External
Affairs, Government of India, in UGC recognised or entitled online programmes, any national
identity with photograph of their country of residence shall also be acceptable for authentication”;
5. In the principal regulations, in regulation 15, in clause (C), after sub-clause (3), the following proviso
shall be inserted, namely:—
“Provided that for admission of foreign or international learners through the Ministry of External
Affairs, Government of India, in UGC recognised or entitled online programmes, any national
identity with photograph of their country of residence shall also be acceptable for authentication”.
6. In the principal regulations, in Annexure II, in paragraph I, in sub-paragraph B, after clause 2, the
following proviso shall be inserted, namely:—
“Provided that for admission of foreign or international learners through the Ministry of External
Affairs, Government of India, in UGC recognised or entitled online programmes, any national
identity with photograph of their country of residence shall also be acceptable for authentication”.
RAJNISH JAIN, Secy. (UGC)
[ADVT.-III/4/Exty./183/2022-23]
Note : The principal regulations were published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part-III, Section 4
vide F. No. 1-1/2020 (DEB-I) dated the 4th September, 2020 and amended vide notification No.
F. No. 1-10/2020 (DEB-I) dated the 1st July, 2021 published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary,
Part-III, Section 4 dated the 1st July, 2021.
Uploaded by Dte. of Printing at Government of India Press, Ring Road, Mayapuri, New Delhi-110064
and Published by the Controller of Publications, Delhi-110054.