UGC clarified on the circular asking IITs to 'align courses', saying that they have 'absolute autonomy'.
The standoff between IIT and the University Grants Commission seemed to dissipate to some extent today with Chairperson Professor Ved Prakash telling NDTV that the July 5 circular was not meant to infringe on the IITs' autonomy. The circular which asked all educational bodies to ensure that their degrees conform to UGC specifications has kicked up a storm with IIT Kharagpur among others saying they are ruled by their own act and not the UGC.
Mr Prakash called their circular 'routine' to all degree-conferring institutes, adding, "Unfortunately, the aforementioned communication of the UGC has been misconstrued as an encroachment on the autonomy of institutions of higher learning especially the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)." He told NDTV that IITs are free to give any degree provided they get it cleared by the Central government.
However this may not be acceptable to the IITs. In fact, IIT Kanpur Director Professor Manna told NDTV that they will seek clarifications in the IIT council meeting on October 1. "We are free to give any degree provided it is cleared by our own board of directors."
If the standoff continues, the government may have to intervene.