“The UGC's job is to ensure that the laws and regulations of the university are properly followed. There is no chance of going outside the law...UGC will adopt ‘Zero Tolerance’ policy against any kind of irregularities,” he said.

He was speaking as the chief guest at the signing ceremony of the Annual Performance Agreement (APA) for the fiscal year 2020-2021 with 48 public universities of the country.

The APA has been introduced to bring transparency and accountability in government operations, ensure proper use of resources and improve institutional capacity.

Speaking on the virtual platform, he said that there are various pressures on university authorities. “If someone bows down amid pressure and breaks the law or commits irregularities, they will not be exempted. Legal action will be taken against them.”

He requested the Vice-Chancellors and Registrars to perform their duties in accordance with the existing laws and regulations in various matters including recruitment, promotion and finance.

The UGC Chairman also said UGC will later conduct audits after Covid-19 pandemic is over at public universities if necessary.

The UGC chairman said, "At the end of your term, you must stay aware of various issues including recruitment."

Speakers at the meeting called upon the universities to ensure quality education so that five to six universities could be top-ranked globally in the golden jubilee of the country's independence.

Also read: UGC chairman for ensuring good governance at universities