'Exemplary action must be taken against fake universities'

Concerned over fake universities duping students in the country, a Parliamentary panel has sought "exemplary" action against such bodies and those who violate UGC guidelines.
In its 28th report, the Committee on Government Assurances pointed out that said that despite an assurance, UGC has failed to identify the individuals behind fake universities "mushrooming" in the country and shut them down.
In another significant observation, the panel focused on issues related to corruption in All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) referring to several CBI cases against its officials, some of which are still at various stages of investigation.
"AICTE being an important body regulating standards of technical education in the country, should be prevented from rotting down as a hotbed of corruption so that the technical education system of the country excels," the panel said in its report.

The panel recommended that the HRD ministry improve the accountability and strengthen vigilance mechanism in AICTE.