Calicut varsity seeks amendment to SNGOU Act to run distance learning programmes
Under sections 47(2) and 72 of the Act, only the Sreenarayanaguru Open University has the exclusive authority to conduct distance learning and private registration courses
The University of Calicut has formally asked the Higher Education department to modify the Sreenarayanaguru Open University Act of 2021, allowing it to restart open and distance learning (ODL) courses. Registrar C.D. Sebastian communicated this request to the Principal Secretary of Higher Education, citing a resolution passed by the university's Syndicate on July 9, 2026.
In the letter, Sebastian notes that the university's ODL programs previously received approval from the Distance Education Bureau of the University Grants Commission. However, an amendment to the SNGOU Act in later years restricts other universities from offering distance education and private registration courses under specific sections of the aforementioned Act, which has prevented the University of Calicut from admitting students into its UGC-approved ODL programs, impacting a significant number of students from Kozhikode, Malappuram, Palakkad, Thrissur, and Wayanad districts.
Despite the university reducing its ODL programs in recent years and eventually halting them, thousands of students had previously enrolled, denying them the opportunity to pursue higher education at a nearby institution. Various organizations, people's representatives, and students have been advocating for the resumption of ODL programs.
Although the Syndicate had previously passed a resolution on the matter, previous representations to the government did not yield positive results. Sebastian emphasizes that the State government must amend sections 47(2) and 72 to enable the university to conduct ODL programs, subject to UGC's DEB approval. The department has reportedly responded favorably to this demand.
ODL programs have been popular among students, as evidenced by the substantial admissions figures over the years. In the 2016-17 academic year, the university offered 27 programs and received 47,681 admissions. The following year, there were 44,331 students. In 2018-19, 50,476 students enrolled in 26 programs. The next year, when 13 postgraduate courses were added, a total of 53,531 students took admissions.
In 2020-21, 32,524 students enrolled in 26 programs, with a slight reduction in offerings. In 2022-23, only 19 programs were offered, leading to 28,479 student admissions. In 2023-24, the number of programs further decreased to 13, resulting in 22,867 student enrollments. The university has allocated ₹10 crore in its budget for expanding distance learning programs, but current admissions are reportedly not meeting expectations.
Recent meetings between pro-United Democratic Front Syndicate members and Higher Education Minister Roji M. John have been held to address this issue.
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