Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan recently informed Parliament about the alarming presence of 21 fake universities operating across the country, with eight of them functioning in the national capital, Delhi. The revelation has sparked serious concerns over fraudulent practices in higher education and the exploitation of students.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has been actively working to overcome this problem by identifying and releasing the names of such universities on its official website. The fake universities have reportedly been found in Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, and Puducherry, and in Delhi. The UGC website lists details of such institutions, warning the public against joining them and creating awareness among stakeholders about such fraudulent institutions.

The central government has called upon states and Union Territories to take immediate legal action against these fake institutions to protect students from being cheated. States have been directed to issue show-cause notices, warning letters, and lodge First Information Reports (FIRs) against unauthorized institutes awarding invalid degrees. These steps aim to curb the menace and prevent further exploitation of students and parents.

In a multi-pronged approach, the UGC has been using every possible platform to create public awareness against fake universities. Cautionary notices are now being issued in newspapers and social media, as well as on the UGC’s website, for students, parents, and other stakeholders. This effort aims at reaching out to potential students and making them aware about the authenticity of educational institutes before they get enrolled.

The government has pointed out the need for central and state authorities to collaborate in such a way that this situation is addressed effectively. Central and state governments have been called upon to close down the institutions and punish the elements running them. Legal steps along with the awareness campaign to prevent others from opening more such fraudulent setups.

According to the UGC, these fake universities misrepresent themselves by using names and infrastructure that give the illusion of being legitimate institutions. They operate without the required recognition or approval, luring unsuspecting students with the promise of degrees that are ultimately invalid. Many students and families fall victim to these scams, losing both time and money while risking their academic and professional futures.

The UGC clearly states that it is the single regulatory authority in India for all university recognition. It strongly advises students to scrutinize the credentials of any university before taking admission in an institution. As it offers an updated list of recognized universities on its official website, this will prevent students from approaching fake universities.

In addition to taking enforcement actions, the government has emphasized the vigilance and awareness of fraud that needs to be carried out among the public. At multiple levels, the authorities intend to ensure that the education sector remains credible and free from fraudulent practices. It shows the commitment of the government towards the protection of the rights of students and to bring in transparency in the higher education sector.

The crackdown on fake universities by the government is a significant indicator that regulatory oversight and public awareness are necessary to curb educational fraud. Through coordination with each other, the government and UGC are making efforts to maintain the sanctity of India’s higher education system.