Online exam of open universities not valid @ UGC Circular

Degrees obtained through online examinations conducted by universities offering open or distance learning will not be considered valid, as India’s higher education regulator says rules don’t allow such tests.

The University Grants Commission’s (UGC) distance education bureau has found several distance learning institutions and universities approved by the regulator are breaching rules by offering online examinations.

These institutions had agreed to conditions such as “no online programme leading to award of degree/certification … until a policy is framed and approved by the UGC”, says a commission’s letter to all open universities.

The country has tens of thousands of students studying various courses through open universities and institutes.

But the UGC doesn’t approve online examinations, contending that tests for a large group involves a host of complexities such as managing a foolproof system with a reliable network connecting the exam centres, and preparing question banks.

“UGC has not laid down any standard parameters,” the letters says, barring universities from conducting online examinations.

The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), the country’s popular and pioneer institute in distance education, believes it is time to move towards online examinations.

“Regulations for conducting programmes online should be considered on a priority basis. A lot has changed in the past many years and we need to embrace technology in education too,” vice chancellor (in charge) Ravindra Kumar said.

“We can use our study centres where online exams can be conducted, which will bring in greater transparency too. UGC should come out with regulations for online exams soon.”

The vice chancellor said IGNOU has never conducted any online examination.

PR Source | http://www.hindustantimes.com/education/online-exam-of-open-universities-not-valid/story-oUrwnzhjq9DNl0knf4ajkM.html

UGC Circular | http://www.ugc.ac.in/deb/notices/ONLINE%20Examinations-Circular%20dated%2006.10.2016.pdf

Regards 

Pralhad Jadhav 

Senior Manager @ Knowledge Repository  

Khaitan & Co         

                                                           

Upcoming Event | MANLIBNET 17th Annual International Conference on 15-16 September 2017 at Jaipuria, Noida, India  

Blog | http://pralhad-fyilibrarian.blogspot.in/ 

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Country’s first village of books to open near Panchgani on May 4

State gets 75 artists to paint the walls of premises according to books’ genres

Inspired by the Welsh town, Hay-on-Wye, that is famous for its book stores and literary festivals.

Source | Indian Express | 21 April 2017

Regards 

Pralhad Jadhav 

Senior Manager @ Knowledge Repository  

Khaitan & Co          

                                                          

Upcoming Event | MANLIBNET 17th Annual International Conference on 15-16 September 2017 at Jaipuria, Noida, India  

Blog | http://pralhad-fyilibrarian.blogspot.in/ 

Website | https://sites.google.com/site/pralhadjadhavlib/home

Law Ministry launches digital initiatives for legal access in rural areas

The three initiatives are:

·         Pro-bono legal services

·         Tele law

·         Nyaya Mitra

Pro bono legal Services

The ‘Pro bono legal services’ initiative is a web based platform, through which interested lawyers can register themselves to volunteer pro bono services for the underprivileged litigants, who are unable to afford it. The Department of Justice has launched the online application for this initiative on its website doj.gov.in. Through this online portal, litigants from marginalised communities (including members of scheduled castes and scheduled tribes, women, children, senior citizens, persons with low income and persons with disabilities) can also apply for legal aid and advice from the pro bono lawyers.

Tele Law: Mainstreaming Legal Aid through Common Service Centre

Through the second initiative, launched by the Minister, the Department of Justice and NALSA are partnering with CSC- E- Governance Service Limited for mainstreaming legal aid to the marginalized communities through the Common Service Centers (CSCs). This initiative, called ‘Tele Law’, is aimed at facilitating delivery of legal advice through an expert panel of lawyers – stationed at the State Legal Services Authorities (SLSA). The project would connect lawyers with clients through video conferencing facilities at CSCs, operated by para legal volunteers. For this purpose, this initiative would also play a pivotal role in empowering 1000 women para legal volunteers.

District Facilitation Centre to reduce pendency: Engagement of Nyaya Mitra

The Minister also discussed the issue of heavy pendency of cases in courts across the country. He noted that at present, more than 2.4 crore cases are pending in the district and lower judiciary, of which nearly 10% are more than 10 years old. He called for collective action and efforts in remedying this situation. In this context, the Minister also inaugurated the Nyaya Mitra scheme, which is aimed at reducing pendency of cases across selected districts, with special focus on those pending for more than 10 years.

Source | http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=161179

Regards 

Pralhad Jadhav 

Senior Manager @ Knowledge Repository  

Khaitan & Co           

                                                         

Upcoming Event | MANLIBNET 17th Annual International Conference on 15-16 September 2017 at Jaipuria, Noida, India  

Blog | http://pralhad-fyilibrarian.blogspot.in/ 

Website | https://sites.google.com/site/pralhadjadhavlib/home