The University Grants Commission (UGC) has taken the decision to establish a committee that will assess faculty appointments and oversee the awarding of PhDs in higher education institutions (HEIs) in a timely manner. This move by the Commission aims to prevent the violation of regulations. The decision was reached during the 568th meeting of the Commission on April 24, 2023.

M Jagadesh Kumar, the Chairman of UGC, highlighted the crucial role played by HEIs in nurturing intellectuals and contributing to the nation's growth through knowledge dissemination. He emphasized that the UGC, entrusted with the task of promoting and coordinating university education, periodically issues regulations to ensure the quality of teachers and research degrees.

The need for a standing committee arose due to instances where appointment standards were disregarded in the past, leading to numerous complaints lodged with regulatory bodies. Kumar elaborated on the committee's responsibilities, stating that it would convene at regular intervals throughout the year to select a few institutions, gather information on faculty appointments, and maintain records of PhD degree awards. The committee will also scrutinize documents to ensure compliance with UGC regulations in all teacher appointments and PhD degree conferrals. In case of any violations, appropriate actions will be recommended by the standing committee.

Two regulations will play a significant role in establishing the minimum eligibility criteria for teacher appointments, promotions, and PhD degree awards. These regulations are as follows:

The Commission's regulation on minimum qualifications for the appointment of teachers and other academic staff in universities and colleges, along with measures to uphold standards in higher education (2018).
The Commission's (Minimum Standards and Procedures for Award of Ph.D. Degree) Regulations of 2022.

Both regulations will define the criteria for selecting eligible candidates for teacher appointments and ensure the quality of research degrees granted by HEIs. Furthermore, adherence to these regulations is mandatory.