UGC shuts down 12 fake universities, takes legal action to combat educational fraud

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has taken decisive action against fraudulent institutions by shutting down 12 fake universities since 2014, as confirmed by Dr Sukanta Majumdar, Minister of State for Education.

This information was provided in response to a written query from Y S Avinash Reddy, Member of Parliament from Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh, who sought clarification on the UGC's efforts to curb the rise of fake universities, particularly in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh.

The Ministry of Education further revealed that the UGC currently recognizes 21 institutions as fake universities, which have been illegally awarding degrees and using the term "university" in their names.

These universities are not authorized to award degrees and present serious risks to students, who are often misled into enrolling in unaccredited programs.

The ministry's response emphasized that state governments bear the responsibility for enforcing law and order, including shutting down such fraudulent institutions.

The union government has contacted the chief secretaries of all state governments and union territories (UTs) to urge them to take appropriate legal measures to address this growing issue.

This includes closing down these institutions and charging those responsible for defrauding students.

The UGC has also asked state governments to report any such institutions not yet listed but operating as fake universities.

To address the rise of fraudulent universities, the government and the UGC have taken several proactive measures to prevent students from falling victim to these institutions.

One of the key actions is launching public awareness campaigns.

The UGC regularly informs the public about fake universities and their deceptive practices through various platforms, including social media, its official website, and other media outlets.

The aim is to educate the public and students about the dangers of enrolling in unapproved institutions.

In addition to raising awareness, legal measures have been taken against these unlawful organizations.

First Information Reports (FIRs) have been filed against several illegal universities and institutions.

Unapproved institutions that continue to operate and award invalid degrees have been issued warnings and show-cause notices.

Another significant strategy in the fight against fraudulent universities is transparency.

The UGC maintains an updated webpage listing all recognized fake institutions in India.

This platform allows students to make informed decisions about their education by verifying the legitimacy of institutions before enrolling.

The Ministry of Education's efforts aim to protect students from the consequences of attending such illegal institutions.

Fake universities not only jeopardize students' futures by awarding unrecognized degrees but also contribute to the rise of educational fraud across the country.

Thus, the government is determined to deter the establishment of fraudulent institutions and uphold the integrity of the educational system.

By aggressively pursuing legal action and increasing awareness, the UGC and the union government are working closely together to monitor and address the issue.

While state governments have the authority to close down these institutions, their efforts are supported by the UGC's initiatives to ensure the legitimacy of India's higher education system and protect students from fraudulent institutions.

The UGC's up-to-date online list of fake universities promotes transparency and helps parents and students make well-informed educational decisions by verifying the authenticity of institutions before admission.