UGC grants autonomous status to O P Jindal Global University

The University Grants Commission has granted autonomy to the O P Jindal Global University (JGU) in Haryana under graded autonomy regulations 2018. JGU is the first private university in the state to be given autonomous status.

"There are more than 300 private universities in India but only two have been granted this special status, one of them being O P Jindal Global University," the JGU stated in a release.

The UGC and the HRD Ministry have granted autonomy to 52 universities, out of which five are central universities, 21 state universities, 24 deemed and two private universities, the JGU said in a press release.

Expressing gratitude to the HRD Ministry, Naveen Jindal, founding chancellor of JGU, said: "This feat reiterates JGU's commitment to shaping India's aspirations of building world-class universities through comparative and international dimensions. We are grateful to MHRD and UGC who have appreciated our endeavour."

Also Read: Government rescinds education fee cap for martyrs' children  

Terming it a milestone in the university's journey, C Raj Kumar, founding vice-chancellor, said, "This recognition initiates a major paradigm shift that will mark the future of Indian universities and encourage our pursuit of institutional excellence in higher education."        

"This is a big milestone in JGU's journey and I wish to congratulate all its stakeholders, including faculty members, students, staff, alumni, parents and the State Government of Haryana, as well as the regulatory bodies, for their support," he said.

The press note, released by the university said that this status will allow the university the freedom to introduce new courses and departments and enter into collaborations with foreign educational institutions, without seeking the UGC's permission.

Also Read: HRD Ministry rules out plan to rank Kendriya Vidyalayas

"There will also be an exemption from regular UGC inspections, with appraisals being obtained on the basis of self-reporting. Besides, JGU will be allowed to hire global talent to strengthen the faculty and encourage more international students to pursue their higher education from the university," it said.

(With inputs from agencies)