The AICTE chairman’s remarks came after the technical education regulator and the University Grants Commission (UGC) warned universities and colleges against offering courses in distance learning and online mode in association with ed-tech companies, stating that any Also “franchise” agreements are not allowed. Criteria.
“We are not against ed-tech companies, but they cannot be allowed to delve into areas that are not their domain. Criteria are norms.
Sahasrabuddhe told PTI in an interview, “We have given approval to universities and colleges to offer degree and diploma programs, but they should offer it on their own and not piggyback on private companies or give their jobs to anyone.” Outsourcing to third parties.”
A closer look at the companies revealed that they were issuing direct advertisements and offering programs like MBA and MCA, he said.
“These are postgraduate programs in management and computer applications that can only be offered by universities and approved colleges. Even top institutes in the country such as the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) are not allowed to confer management degrees, they offer diplomas in management. How can we allow ed-tech companies to do this?” They said.
UGC and AICTE have also advised students and parents to check the accreditation status of any program on their website before enrolling in any course.
“I am not downplaying the importance of ed-tech companies, especially start-ups from our approved colleges and universities. They all have their own importance in terms of skill and training and they can issue certificates for the same but not degree and diploma.
“As far as universities are concerned, it is totally fine if they are using the platform of ed-tech companies to conduct classes or online exams, but it cannot be beyond that and the franchisees There cannot be a compromise,” he explained.
The education ministry had earlier this month issued a detailed advisory for parents and students dealing with ed-tech firms, asking them to be careful while making payments, among other things.
The ministry had said that parents, students and all stakeholders of education have to be careful while choosing online content and coaching offered by ed-tech companies.
Amid growing concerns, which also echoed in Parliament, that many such firms were indulging in various types of business malpractices to attract consumers, a group of companies this month formed a collective – the India Edtech Consortium – by industry body Internet and under the auspices of Mobile Association of India (IAMAI).
Companies and start-ups like Byju’s, Career 360, Great Learning, Harappa, Times Edutech & Events Ltd., Scalar, SimpleLearn, Topper, Unacademy, Upgrade, Vedantu and WhiteHat Junior have joined the IEC so far and resolved to follow the same. have taken. A general “code of conduct”.
Responding to the government’s stand, Sumesh Nair, Co-Founder and CEO, Board Infinity says, “The directive against ‘franchisee arrangement’ by the UGC is a big blow to all ed-tech companies offering courses in distance education. and online mode in association with recognized universities and institutes”.
However, Jetking Infotrain CEO and Managing Director Harsh Bharwani termed the move a “welcome intervention”.
“Skill institutes should focus on their strength which is bridging the gap between industry and academia. Academics should play their role of preparing students at academic level.
He said, “‘For optimal functioning, the education ecosystem needs to coexist and complement each other, not a coincidence. Combining the two will harm both ed-tech and academia. ”
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