Question : Heritage Status to Colleges

(a) whether the Government/University Grants Commission (UGC) has decided to give heritage status to certain colleges in the country;
(b) if so, the number of applications received along with the number of colleges selected for this purpose along with the objective behind this move, State-wise;
(c) the criteria fixed by the Government for selection of colleges; and
(d) whether these colleges will get funds for conservation work and offering heritage courses from the UGC and if so, the details thereof along with the time by which it is likely to be released, college-wise?

Answer given by the minister


MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
(SMT. SMRITI ZUBIN IRANI)

(a): Yes, Madam. The University Grants Commission(UGC) has informed that it has launched a scheme during the XII plan to provide Heritage Grants to institutions which are more than 100 years old. The guidelines for scheme of Granting Special Heritage Status to University and Colleges are available on http://www.ugc.ac.in/pdfnews/4170650_Guidelines-for-Heritage.pdf .
(b): The UGC has informed that proposals of 60 colleges were considered under the scheme and 19 colleges were approved/selected for this purpose. The State-wise number of application of eligible colleges considered and approved is at Annexure.
The UGC has informed that the objective of the scheme is to recognize and reward the Universities and Colleges that have completed 100 years of existence and have contributed tremendously not only in the field of higher education but also in maintaining the cultural, social and moral fabric of the country. Recognition and reward to such institutions will ensure that they continue to inspire the younger generation.
(c): The Scheme guidelines stipulate that the proposal be submitted in the designated proforma along with the following documents/ fulfillment of conditions:
1. UGC letter regarding inclusion under the list of colleges receiving plan grants from the UGC.
2. Institution should be more than 100 years old on the date of application for the grants.
3. Institution having highest grading by an assessment and accreditation agency recognized by the UGC.
4. Institutions having received any one-time award for such purpose in the last 10 years will not be eligible for this grant.
5. Institutions should self-certify that it has no proceedings against them by the Government (State / Central) either in the present or in the last 60 years.
6. Proof of the date of existence of the institution.
7. Details of plan and estimates for renovation/construction of building or other activities, along with the development proposal, for which the one-time lump sum grant would be utilized.
A UGC Expert Committee examines the proposals received and asks the applying institutions to make a presentation on their proposal before the Committee in the UGC Headquarters. The Expert Committee thereafter discusses the Action Plan and the budget with representatives of the Universities and Colleges and makes its recommendations for consideration of the Commission.
(d): The scheme guidelines have provision for grants for conservation work and offering short term certificate or diploma programme in any of the heritage branches. This is however dependent on the specific institutional requirements and evaluation by the UGC Expert Committee. The college-wise & item-wise grants allocated to the colleges is at http://www.ugc.ac.in/pdfnews/8647293_Heritage-website.pdf. As on date 19 Colleges have been recommended for funding under the scheme. The allocated grant is released as per availability of fund.

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