Question : EXPANSION OF NAAC

(a) whether top universities and institutions of higher learning have applied for accreditations to the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC);

(b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise along with the action taken by the NAAC thereon;

(c) whether any proposal is under consideration of the Government to expand and strengthen the NAAC in order to cope with the increasing number of applications that are received for accreditation;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) if not, the reasons therefor?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (Dr. SHASHI THAROOR)

(a) & (b): Yes, Madam. The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) has reported that 179 Universities have applied to it for accreditation. The State wise details of applications for accreditations with NAAC are at Annexure I.

(c) & (d): No, Madam. The Ministry has already accorded in principle approval to the proposal of NAAC for augmenting its manpower and the establishment of five Regional Centres to expand and strengthen its capacity in view of the increasing applications for undertaking accreditation. The NAAC has already initiated measures to develop a complete web based application system for its assessment and accreditation process to help it to expeditiously process the increasing number of applications for accreditation.

(e): In view of above, does not arise.