(a) whether in the present Governing Body of University Grants Commission(UGC), there is not a single member from Assam to represent the interest of Assam and North-East and if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and
(b) whether the Government would consider to nominate/appoint any Educationist /senior officer/ social worker to represent the interest of Assam and project issues of universities and colleges in this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
(Dr. MAHENDRA NATH PANDEY)
(a): The University Grants Commission (UGC) has been established under Section 4(1) and (2) of UGC Act, 1956. Section 5 of the UGC Act, 1956 deliberates details about composition, terms and conditions of service of Chairman, Vice-Chairman and members of the Commission. As per the provisions of the UGC Act, 1956 and the extant recruitment procedure, the Chairman, 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 appointed 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 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) respectively, read with sub- section 6(1) of the UGC Act, 1956. The UGC Act, 1956 is available at http://www.ugc.ac.in/oldpdf/ugc_act.pdf .
(b): The UGC has a Regional Office in Guwahati.
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