The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a final reminder to the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the University of Madras, directing them to submit an additional and detailed report by 23 January 2026 in connection with allegations surrounding a foreign diploma programme earlier offered by Loyola College.
The NHRC had taken cognisance of a complaint filed by Legal Rights Protection Forum, which alleged that Loyola College had offered a diploma course involving foreign collaboration without obtaining mandatory approvals, in violation of UGC regulations.
According to the complaint, students were allegedly misled into paying substantial fees for the programme and were sent abroad on visas, exposing them to potential legal and financial risks. The complainant contended that the course did not comply with regulatory provisions governing international academic collaborations.
Following the complaint, the NHRC had earlier directed both the UGC and the University of Madras to conduct inquiries and submit action taken reports. In August, the University of Madras submitted a report stating that the allegations were baseless. The university maintained that the course, titled Diploma in Film Making with AI France, was introduced by Loyola College under its autonomous status, had the approval of its statutory bodies, and was in compliance with UGC norms.
However, the complainant disputed the university’s findings, alleging that key mandatory provisions of UGC regulations relating to foreign collaborations had not been addressed. He cited an RTI response from the University of Madras which, according to him, indicated that requisite approvals had not been obtained for the programme.
After examining the available records and the submissions made so far, the NHRC directed both the UGC and the University of Madras to file more detailed responses, leading to the issuance of the final reminder.
When contacted, an official from Loyola College said that inquiries conducted by both the UGC and the University of Madras had found the allegations to be baseless and that the authorities had permitted the college to offer the course.
Source: The New Indian Express
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