State cracks whip on dubious colleges

Sets up 4-member panel to scrutinise 112 institutions

The state government told the Bombay High Court last week that it had constituted a seven-member committee, that includes four ex vice-chancellors, to scrutinise allegedly bogus educational institutions in Maharashtra.

A PIL filed by social activist Dinesh Kamath, had alleged that some private universities and educational institutions were functioning without proper affiliation or recognition from the All-India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). The court, that took note of the fact that the AICTE listed 112 bogus institutions functioning in the State on its website, directed the government to take action against them.

Associate Advocate General Ashutosh Kumbhakoni informed the court last week that the committee will enquire into affiliations and permissions and also scrutinise the courses offered in the allegedly dubious institutions. Their draft report is expected to be submitted in a week’s time.

The State issued letters to the blacklisted 112 institutions, asking them to hold back their admissions. Two such institutions moved the court against this order; their pleas were, however, dismissed.