Controversy over NAAC system

Controversy over NAAC system

Subject : Governance

Context: The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) courted controversy recently over the rating of the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda and allegations of bribery in the process.

Concept :

• NAAC had reportedly withheld the grading of the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda after receiving an anonymous complaint that the university unduly tried to influence the peer review team with gold, cash and other favours.
• However, on September 15, NAAC released the improved grading, terming the allegations as “false”.
• From the prevailing “input-based” approach, the NAAC now plans to adopt an “outcome-based approach”.
• Under the rules, only higher education institutions that are at least six years old, or from where at least two batches of students have graduated, can apply. The accreditation is valid for five years. Aspiring institutes need to be recognised by the UGC and have regular students enrolled in their full-time teaching and research programmes.
• The ratings of institutions range from A++ to C. If an institution is graded D, it means it is not accredited.

About NAAC

• It is an organisation that assesses and accredits higher education institutions (HEIs) in India.
• It is an autonomous body funded by the University Grants Commission (UGC).
• It is an outcome of the recommendations of the National Policy in Education (1986) which laid special emphasis on upholding the quality of higher education in India.
• Headquartered in Bangalore.
• The mandate of the NAAC as reflected in its vision statement is in making quality assurance an integral part of the functioning of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).
• The NAAC functions through its General Council (GC) and Executive Committee (EC) comprising of educational administrators, policymakers and senior academicians from the cross-section of Indian higher education system.