UGC needs to be replaced with Education Commission – Minister

Justice, Prison Affairs and Constitutional Reforms Minister Dr. Wijayadasa Rajapakshe told Parliament yesterday (19) that it is the need of the hour to establish an independent Education Commission to replace the University Grants Commission (UGC).

The Minister said that the necessary reports for the establishment of an independent education commission  have been submitted to the parliament and by establishing this commission both public and private universities can be run under the same standard. The Minister said this in response to the questioning of Lakshman Kiriella, the chief organizer of the Opposition, regarding private universities. Minister Rajapakshe said when there was a closed economy, there was no place for private universities in this country. After the opening of the economy in 1977, the country had a need for private universities even though the law was not changed. Governments in power from time to time brought amendments to the University Grants Commission and gave the opportunity to start private universities. Accordingly, 24 private universities have been registered and started in the Higher Education Ministry. In addition, there are many affiliated universities. Universities in foreign countries have branches and affiliates. Their quality is not known. They have no regulation.

Laws should be made for regulation. Accordingly, Parliament as the Parliamentary Special Select Committee to consider broad opportunities for higher education and I as its chairman have given a report to the Parliament. The University Grants Commission is obsolete. We have given reports that an independent education commission should be created to suit the present. This will make it possible to run universities to the same standard in the private sector and the public sector.

The post UGC needs to be replaced with Education Commission – Minister appeared first on DailyNews.