Inordinate delay in renewal of accreditation by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) may prove to be a setback for the Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat).
Without renewing the accreditation, the university is likely to lose financial assistance it receives from the University Grants Commission (UGC).
The Commission has notified that financial assistance will be given to institutions of higher education which have undergone assessment and accreditation process.
Though one of the most sought-after science and technology universities in the country, Cusat has not renewed its UGC accreditation in the last six years. Higher education institutions and faculties, schools, departments and centres are not eligible for financial assistance from the UGC if they are not accredited by NAAC. Institutions which do not comply with the conditions given in the notification also face the threat of withdrawal of allotted funds.
All accredited higher education institutions will have to apply for re-accreditation six months before the expiry of the period, in accordance with the norms prescribed by the relevant accreditation agency. It is further stated that every institution which has completed six years of existence or from which two batches of students have passed should apply for the accreditation.
According to reliable sources, the Cusat authorities had adopted a rather lax attitude in renewing the accreditation. Besides, the varsity did not apply for accreditation as it was expecting an elevation of status to an Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology (IIEST) or Indian Institute of Technology (IIT).
When contacted, CUSAT Pro-Vice-Chancellor K Paulose Jacob, who is also the Vice-Chancellor in-charge, agreed that the there had been a delay on the part of the varsity.
“Though late, we have now started the process for accreditation and it is in the final stage,” he said.
Source : The New indian express