Grievances for Non-AICTE Approved Engineering Courses by Private Colleges

Dear Client,
In the context, it may be noted that All India Council for Technical Education(AICTE) (Redressal of Grievance of Students) Regulations, 2019 that outline the process and mechanisms for addressing student grievances/complaints. According to Regulation 5, each AICTE-approved institution is required to establish a Student Grievance Redressal Committee (SGRC) that typically includes the Principal as Chairperson, three senior faculty members, and a student representative. The SGRC handles initial complaints from students, following principles of natural justice to resolve grievances within a specified timeframe, usually 15 days from receipt of the complaint. Under Regulation 6, each affiliating University, Technical University, Private University, Deemed to be University shall appoint Ombudsperson for redressal of grievances of students under the AICTE (Redress of Grievances of Students) Regulations,2019. If the grievances remain unresolved by the Student Grievance Redressal Committee(SGRC), the same shall be referred to the Ombudsperson, who after giving reasonable opportunities of being heard to both parties, on the conclusion of proceedings, pass such order, with reasons thereof as may be deemed fit to redress the grievance and provide such relief as may be appropriate to the aggrieved student. Apart from this, you can also escalate your grievance collectively(mass complaint) before the regulatory authority of all universities, including private universities, i.e, the University Grants Commission(UGC). To streamline the stakeholders' grievance redressal mechanisms, UGC has merged its existing portals/ helplines except for Anti Ragging Helpline and developed a new portal "UGC e-samadhan: A step forward: Service to Stake Holders" which would be a single Window system for all the stakeholders for registering their complaints/ grievances on the portal which would be available 24x7 with a click of the mouse. A toll-free No. 1800-111-656 will also be available on the UGC website 24x7 for lodging complaints by the stakeholders on any issue faced by them in the colleges or universities. Further, running a course by an educational institute without obtaining mandatory approval from competent authorities amounts to deficiency in service and unfair trade practices. Accordingly, aggrieved students, serving a legal notice, can escalate their complaint against the Institute Of Engineering and Management before the Consumer Forum under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 claiming refund of course fees along with interest and compensation for harassment. The complaint should be filed within two years from the date of cause of action, i.e, you come to know the course is not approved by the regulatory authorities from the reliable and authentic sources, say through a RTI application or otherwise. If required, consult with an Advocate specializing in consumer disputes to understand your rights and remedies to navigate the issue effectively.