(a) the norms/rules laid down by the Government for the selection of the Chairman and members of the University Grants Commission (UGC);
(b) whether the Government proposes to amend the selection process of the UGC`s chairman and members;
(c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and
(d) whether even non-educationists have been made members of the UGC and if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (SMT. SMRITI ZUBIN IRANI)
(a): The Chairman, University Grants Commission(UGC) is appointed by the Central Government in accordance with sub-sections 5(2) and 6(1) of the UGC Act, 1956 and in accordance with Rule 8 of the Government of India (Transaction of Business) Rules, 1961. The Vice-Chairman, UGC is appoin- ted by the Central Government in accordance with sub-sections 5(1) (ii) and 6(1) of the UGC Act, 1956 and in accordance with Office Memorandum No. AB.14017/11/2004-Estt.(RR) dated 30th July, 2007 of the Department of Personnel and Training, Government of India and as amended from time to time. The UGC Act does not prescribe selection procedure and there are no statutory rules or regulations for the said purpose. The Search- cum-Selection Committees and the procedure for selection of Chairman and Vice-Chairman are in accordance with the Office Memorandum of Department of Personnel and Training.
The offices of Chairman and Vice-Chairman are whole-time and salaried.
The Secretary, Department of Higher Education and Secretary, Department of Expenditure or his representative are nominated, as per precedent, as the two officers of the Central Government to represent that Government as Member, UGC under sub-sections 5(3)(a) and 6(1) of the UGC Act, 1956.
Four each, out of the remaining eight members, are nominated by the Central Government in accordance with sub- sections 5(3)(b) and 5(3)(c) respecti- vely, read with sub- section 6(1) of the UGC Act, 1956.
(b) & (c): No, Madam. No proposal for amendment/ replacement of UGC Act, 1956 has been finalized.
(d): Yes, Madam. As per Section 5(1)(c) of the UGC Act, 1956, persons having knowledge of, or experience in, agriculture, commerce, forestry or industry or who are members of the engineering, legal, medical or any other learned profession are eligible for appointment as Member, UGC.