Amid speculations of the college losing its autonomous status, Madras Christian College principal R. W. Alexander Jesudasan has reassured students and parents.
Recently, the University Grants Commission (UGC) that provides recognition for universities in India, and funds for government-recognised universities and colleges, had asked MCC to submit its financial statements for the last five years and its application for approval from the NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council).
The college, the principal said, had already sent required documents to the UGC and was waiting to hear from it, he said.
“We understand it will take time for UGC to finish the process. It is a routine process in which a college is asked for certain documents and the approval is given after the information is processed,” he added.
A senior professor in the institute has clarified that the speculations were based on meetings held on July 18 and July 19. “But a lot has happened after that. We are in touch with the UGC now. The delay won’t affect the autonomy of the institution as approval is always backdated considering there is always time taken in the processing,” he added.
Last week, speculation arose if the UGC had decided to hold back approval for extension of the autonomous status for Madras Christian College based on the recommendations of the standing committee that visited the college in July.
Experts point out that MCC was among the first colleges in the State to get autonomous status.
“Besides financial grants from the UGC, an autonomous college can start new courses, decide syllabus and also have tie-ups with other institutions. That freedom is very important for a college,” the professor added.
Some months ago, UGC extended autonomous status to MOP Vaishnav College for Women, Quaid-e-Milleth Government College for Women and Presidency College in Chennai, and granted the status to 15 colleges, including five in Tamil Nadu. There are already 140 educational institutions in the State which enjoy autonomous status.
