Parliamentary Panel Recommends Boosting Online and Distance Learning to Achieve 50% GER Target

New Delhi: A recent report by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth, and Sports has emphasized the need to promote distance and online learning in Indian universities. The panel has recommended reviewing existing regulations that limit universities from offering online courses and providing support for implementing the multiple entry-exit system.

Reviewing Distance Learning Regulations

The committee noted that the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 encourages expansion of online and distance learning. However, current UGC guidelines prevent several universities—particularly those without A+ NAAC accreditation—from launching new online or science courses, slowing the growth of higher education. The committee suggested that UGC and NAAC jointly review these regulations to allow more institutions to provide quality online education, thereby increasing access for students and improving NAAC’s credibility.

Strengthening NAAC and Expanding GER

To achieve the national target of 50% Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER), the report stresses the importance of enhancing online and distance learning. The committee expressed concern over the limited capacity of degree colleges and the credibility of NAAC assessments. By making NAAC processes more transparent and reliable, more universities can be empowered, helping to expand access to higher education and achieve NEP objectives.

Support for Multiple Entry-Exit System

The panel recommended greater support for universities to implement the multiple entry-exit system. Institutions should be given flexibility in curriculum design, allowing:

• One-year certificate programs
• Two-year diploma courses
• Three-year degree programs
• Skill development integration

The four-year degree program has already been implemented, and universities need strengthened infrastructure to expand this program further.

Addressing Faculty Shortages

The report also highlighted the need to fill vacant faculty positions and increase staff numbers in universities. The multiple entry-exit system allows students to enroll in and exit courses multiple times, promoting flexibility. The January 2025 UGC draft regulations should be reviewed by the Central Advisory Board of Education (CABE).

Other recommendations include granting UGC recognition to Himalayan Institute of Alternatives (HIAL) in Ladakh, given its contribution to local communities, Indian knowledge systems (IKS), and experiential learning. The panel also suggested increasing the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) stipend offered by autonomous institutions.