MUMBAI, Aug. 17 -- The University Grants Commission (UGC) has directed all higher education institutions (HEIs) to stop offering programmes in healthcare and allied disciplines through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) or online mode from the July-August 2025 academic session. The order follows the recommendations of the 24th Distance Education Bureau Working Group meeting held in April this year and approved by the UGC on July 23. The ban applies to courses under the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) Act, 2021. These include Psychology, Microbiology, Food and Nutrition Science, Biotechnology, Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics. As per the circular, institutions already recognised to run these programmes will see it withdrawn by UGC. Colleges and universities have also been instructed not to admit students to such programmes from the 2025-26 academic session onwards. The decision comes amid concerns over quality standards in professional training. Former Professor and head of the Psychology Department of the University of Mumbai, Satishchandra, said, "The demand for psychology has gone up, but in several parts of the country, they have failed to maintain the quality of education." Vivek Belhekar, psychology department head at MU, shared a similar view. "Clinical psychology requires rigorous practical training. Such training is not possible in the distance learning mode."Niraj Pandit...