SGOU becomes first Kerala university to adopt Right to Service Act 2025

Sree Narayana Guru Open University (SGOU) has become the first university in Kerala to formally implement the Kerala Right to Service Act 2025, a move officials say is aimed at bringing transparency, accountability and a more student-friendly experience to its operations.

The order was issued by the Registrar on the instructions of the Higher Education department and with the approval of Vice-Chancellor Jagathy Raj V.P. It creates a legal framework under which a range of services must be delivered to learners and the public within stipulated time limits.

Under the new arrangement, the university has streamlined a system to provide 40 essential student services within specific deadlines. Time-bound commitments now cover departments including academics, examinations, IT and the library.

On the academic side, services such as medium of instruction certificates, syllabus attestation, migration certificates, eligibility certificates and transfer certificates will be issued within designated timelines. Examination-related services, including confidential mark lists and undergraduate and postgraduate degree certificates offered through regular, fast-track and express modes, will also be delivered promptly. Students will additionally be able to download digital versions of provisional certificates, consolidated mark lists and duplicate mark lists directly.

To ensure service delivery is not interrupted, a three-tier appeal system has been established along with designated responsible officers, including section officers and assistant registrars. The Registrar and the Controller of Examinations will serve as First Appellate Authorities, while the Pro-Vice-Chancellor and the Vice-Chancellor will act as Second Appellate Authorities.

The Vice-Chancellor said applications from differently abled learners seeking permission for a scribe during examinations will be processed and decided within 10 working days.