With an eye on transparency, PU launches online affiliation system

In a major initiative to simplify the complex multi-step process of college affiliation and increase transparency by providing clarity and efficiency at every stage, Panjab University launched the online Affiliation Management System.

Vice Chancellor Renu Vig launched the online portal, SAMARTH, developed under the aegis of the Ministry of Education. It has been customised specifically to suit the university’s affiliation framework.

“By putting the affiliation process for Higher Education Institutions onto the SAMARTH platform, PU aims to increase transparency, streamline academic processes, reduce delays in information sharing, and enhance overall record-keeping. Going forward, all inspections for ongoing courses will be conducted exclusively online, with colleges required to submit relevant institutional data through the portal,” said the VC.

The DCDC office will thoroughly review the information, enabling a more efficient and transparent process.

Dean University Instructions Yojna Rawat, Dean, College Development Council along with Sanjay Kaushik, Rajat Sandhir; Sonal Chawla, Savita Uppal and Parveen Goyal were also present at the launch.

“Physical inspections will now be limited to colleges introducing new courses, and even those will transition to the online format from next year. When physical verification is necessary, it will be conducted by a reduced two-member team comprising the VC’s nominee and the DCDC nominee, replacing the previously larger inspection committees, thus saving a lot of money and effort,” said Kaushik.

Vig, meanwjile, appreciated the efforts made by the DCDC and the implementation team. She emphasised that the digitally enabled system sets a precedent for broader academic reforms and that PU is committed to expanding such digital practices across its institutional ecosystem.