Association urges university to issue affiliation letters before admissions and grant approval for the full duration of courses; VC Dr Tripta Thakur assures positive action
Dehradun: The Private Colleges Association of Uttarakhand has raised concerns over the financial burden and administrative hurdles faced by private colleges affiliated with Veer Madho Singh Bhandari Uttarakhand Technical University (VMSBUTU), seeking a review of the annual affiliation fee of ₹1 lakh per course, timely issuance of affiliation extension letters and approval for the entire duration of academic programmes.
A delegation of the association met university vice-chancellor Dr Tripta Thakur and submitted a memorandum highlighting the difficulties faced by private institutions. The VC assured the delegation that the issues would be considered and appropriate action taken.
Affiliation letters sought before admission process
Association president Dr Sunil Agrawal said affiliation extension letters should be issued before the commencement of admissions to enable colleges to complete preparations for the new academic session on time.
Delays in issuing these letters can disrupt admission-related planning and create practical difficulties in starting academic activities, he said.
Highlighting the specific challenges faced by law colleges, Agrawal said institutions must obtain the necessary approval from the Bar Council of India (BCI) after receiving affiliation extension letters from the university. Any delay at the university level can, therefore, affect the subsequent approval process and the timely commencement of the academic session.
The association urged the university to streamline the process and ensure that affiliation letters are issued within a stipulated timeframe. Dr Thakur assured the delegation that efforts would be made to find an appropriate solution.
Association seeks review of annual fee
The delegation also called for a review of the university’s affiliation fee structure, stating that private colleges are charged ₹1 lakh annually for each course.
According to the association, the recurring financial burden is difficult to justify and should be assessed in the context of the financial circumstances of individual institutions and the actual requirements of the affiliation process.
The association requested the VC to reconsider the fee structure and explore the possibility of reducing the charges. Dr Thakur assured the delegation that the matter would be taken up with the state government.
Demand for affiliation covering full course duration
The association also sought an end to the requirement of renewing affiliation every year, proposing instead that approval be granted for the prescribed duration of the relevant course, subject to applicable rules and compliance requirements.
It said the proposed arrangement would reduce repetitive administrative formalities, provide greater certainty to institutions and allow them to focus on academic delivery and student services.
The VC assured the delegation that the proposal would be considered.
Local teachers proposed for inspections
The association raised concerns over the inspection process and suggested that local teachers be appointed to conduct inspections of colleges. It said the move could make the process more convenient and practical for institutions.
Agrawal said timely resolution of these issues was necessary to prevent avoidable administrative difficulties and ensure the smooth functioning of academic activities. Association secretary Nishant Thapliyal and treasurer Ajay Jasola were part of the delegation. The association expressed hope that the discussions with the VC would lead to concrete steps towards addressing the concerns of private colleges across the state.