Says integrated progs rolled out sans govt approval
PANAJI
A forum representing non-government college managements in Goa has sought the intervention of the Chancellor Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju over the introduction of integrated undergraduate-postgraduate (UG+PG) programmes by Goa University, alleging that the courses were rolled out without mandatory government approval.
In a representation submitted on April 29, the Forum of Principals and Representatives of Managements of Non-Government Colleges in Goa raised serious concerns regarding the presentation and approval of an ordinance for the new integrated programmes during a recent Academic Council meeting, and the subsequent notification inviting applications for the academic year 2026-27.
“We earnestly request that the implementation of the integrated UG-PG programmes at GU be reconsidered and not permitted to commence from this academic year in the larger interest of sustaining affiliated colleges and ensuring balanced development of higher education in the State,” the Forum said.
The Forum pointed out that as many as nine integrated programmes across disciplines including sciences, social sciences, management, and media studies have been announced by the university. These include courses such as integrated master’s degrees in chemical sciences, physics with a minor in AI, public policy and governance, and business administration in financial services, among others.
According to the forum, the move is in contravention of earlier directions issued by the Directorate of Higher Education, which had explicitly stated that prior approval of the state government is mandatory before initiating any new undergraduate or postgraduate programmes.
Despite this, the integrated programmes have been introduced without securing the requisite permissions, the forum alleged. It warned that such a move could have a cascading impact on affiliated colleges, many of which are already grappling with declining admissions. The forum further highlighted the potential financial implications for both institutions and the government.
The Forum has also made the representation to the Chief Minister, the Secretary (Education), and the Director of Higher Education, seeking timely intervention and appropriate action.
