In a decisive move to protect students and uphold the integrity of higher education, the government has revealed that twelve fake universities operating across the country have been shut down since 2014. This information was disclosed by the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.
However, the fight against these fraudulent institutions is far from over. The Minister stated that, currently, 24 fake universities are still operating within India. These unaccredited entities lure students with promises of easy degrees, only to leave them with worthless qualifications, financial loss, and shattered career prospects.
A Coordinated Push for Closure
Recognising the grave threat these institutions pose, the Central Government and the University Grants Commission (UGC) have escalated their efforts. They have formally requested the Chief Secretaries of all States and Union Territories to take immediate legal action for the closure of these 24 identified universities. The directive underscores the need for "appropriate action" under relevant laws.
"The maintenance of Law and Order is a subject matter of State Governments," Dr. Majumdar noted, highlighting the crucial role of state authorities in enforcing these closures on the ground. He informed the House that this collaborative approach has already seen some results, with FIRs lodged against several self-styled institutions and universities.
Legal and Administrative Actions in Play
Beyond police complaints and shutdown directives, the UGC and state agencies are employing a multi-pronged strategy. The Minister detailed that show-cause notices and warnings have been issued to numerous unauthorised institutes that are awarding invalid degrees. These notices serve as a formal legal step, demanding an explanation from the entities before further punitive measures are taken.
The UGC maintains and regularly updates a list of "Fake Universities/Institutions" on its official website, urging students and parents to verify the authenticity of any university before seeking admission.
A Stern Warning to Students and Rogue Operators
This crackdown sends a strong message to both the operators of these dubious institutions and the student community. For the operators, it signifies that legal consequences are imminent. For students, it reinforces the critical importance of due diligence.
Prospective students are advised to:
Consult the UGC website for the list of recognised universities.
Verify the institution's accreditation status with relevant councils (AICTE, NAAC, etc.).
Be wary of institutions offering degrees with minimal coursework or at an unusually fast pace.
The closure of the twelve fake universities marks significant progress, but the persistence of two dozen more indicates an ongoing challenge. The success of this nationwide purge now hinges on the coordinated legal and administrative action between the Centre, the UGC, and the State Governments. Protecting the future of India's students from academic fraud remains a top priority for the education ministry.
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