Vikrama Simhapuri University fails to qualify to get University Grants Commission grants

Nellore: Even as a Government Degree College affiliated to Vikrama Simhapuri University obtained NAAC –A grade and 12 B status, the main university failed to get it due to inadequacy of teaching staff and infrastructure. The varsity which was established in 2008 along with other varsities across the state, had failed to improve its standards. 

The erstwhile united AP government had established 6 universities across the state in 2008 in which Vikrama Simhapuri University was one among them. The  university offers various courses. But it has been facing financial crunch and failed to obtain 12 (B) status from the University Grants Commission.

Normally, the University Grants Commission provides financial assistance to eligible colleges which are included under Section 2(f) and declared fit to receive central assistance under Section 12 (B) of UGC Act, 1956.  But, in the absence of this status, the varsity had to depend on the mercy of the state government for running the institution.

Interestingly, 11 government and private institutions across the district have already obtained the 12-B status from the UGC and the main varsity has been still groping in dark. “This status basically depends on the infrastructure and quality of faculty in the institution.

There should be professors for all departments, but there are no professors in the university. Only  retired persons are working on  temporary services. There is no growth in research programmes,’’ said a faculty member maintaining anonymity.

Soon after the launch of university, many unqualified persons  joined and they are unable to qualify themselves as professors.  Now, there are only 4-5 Associate professors who were appointed from private institutions. There is no specific administrative building and the officials are using academic buildings.

Rayalaseema Varsity obtained the status in 2014 and Adikavi Nannaya University in 2017. Still, along with VSU, Dr BR Ambedkar University in Srikakulam, is also struggling to get the status. The varsity website is also not updated.  Though Prof G Rajarami Reddy was Vice-Chancellor of VSU between 2011 and 2014,  his name appears on the UGC website which indicates work style of the varsity. 

“These varsities were started during Dr YS Rajasekhara Reddy’s regime in 2008. Now, the TDP led government is not showing any interest to allocate funds for its development,” said a scholar from the varsity.