The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has issued a significant ruling stating that degrees granted by private universities through study centres or off-campus centres established without prior approval from the UGC are not valid degrees. Such degrees cannot be used to secure government employment. This ruling came about in response to a petition that challenged the selection of certain individuals as data entry operators based on an order issued by a government agency. This decision holds great significance as it affects the opportunities of deserving and hardworking students who have obtained degrees and diplomas from UGC-recognised educational programs. It appears that some individuals with unrecognised diplomas have been able to secure government jobs and even promotions based on these non-recognised qualifications. This situation warrants immediate attention from the government, and clear guidelines need to be established. A timely red flag is essential to putting an end to this practice. It is advisable for students and their parents to thoroughly check the validity of the degrees and diplomas they are investing their hard-earned money in. In today’s digital age, it is relatively easy to verify the credibility of an institution, and this can be done quickly through online resources like Google. The HC’s order serves as a necessary intervention, and it is incumbent upon the administration to take steps to verify the legitimacy of educational institutes and disseminate this information widely to make students aware of the facts. This will help prevent future cases where individuals may unknowingly invest in degrees and diplomas that hold no value in the job market.
In essence, the court’s decision underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in the education sector, ensuring that students receive qualifications that are recognised and beneficial for their future careers.
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