Vikrama Simhapuri University Fails to Improve Standards, Ineligible for UGC Grants
- Vikrama Simhapuri University in Andhra Pradesh has been facing severe financial crunch. V
- SU does not have permanent professors in all departments. At present, only retired professors are working on a temporary basis.
Vikrama Simhapuri University (VSU) located in the Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh has become ineligible to receive UGC grants. While the colleges affiliated to VSU are able to obtain NAAC ‘A’ grade and 12B status, VSU is still struggling to appoint permanent teaching staff and develop infrastructure.
VSU was set up in the year 2008 along with six other state universities by the state government. VSU offers various undergraduate and postgraduate courses. However, the varsity has been facing a severe financial crunch and failed to obtain 12 (B) status from the University Grants Commission (UGC).
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Usually, UGC provides financial assistance to colleges that are included under Section 2(f). These colleges or universities are eligible to receive central assistance under Section 12B of UGC Act 1956. Due to the absence of the above status, VSU had no other option except to depend on the mercy of state government for financial assistance.
If VSU wants to become eligible for UGC grant, it has to appoint permanent faculty and improve infrastructure. However, VSU does not have permanent professors in all departments. At present, only retired professors are working on a temporary basis. On the other hand, there is no growth in research programmes, which further pushed the future of the varsity in jeopardy.
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After the launch of VSU in 2008, many unqualified professors joined the varsity and most of them failed to qualify themselves as professors. There is no specific administrative building for VSU, and the officials are using academic buildings for administrative activities. At present, there are only five Associate Professors at VSU who were appointed from private institutions. The official website of the varsity is also not updated.
Along with VSU, Rayalaseema University and Dr. BR Ambedkar University in Srikakulam are not eligible for UGC grants. The state government failed miserably to allocate funds to these universities.