The Uttar Pradesh state cabinet has taken decisive action against academic malpractice by ordering the dissolution of JS University in Shikohabad, Firozabad district. Simultaneously, it has greenlit the expansion of quality education by approving a Letter of Permission (LOP) for IIMT University, Meerut, to operate an off-campus centre in Greater Noida.
JS University Scandal: Fake Degrees and Arrests
State Higher Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyay revealed that a government-level inquiry uncovered severe violations at JS University. The investigation found that the institution was involved in issuing fake and backdated mark sheets and degrees. These fraudulent documents were subsequently used by selected candidates in the Rajasthan Physical Education Teacher Recruitment Examination 2022.
The scandal came to light after the Rajasthan Police probed the case, leading to the arrest of the university's Chancellor and Registrar. Upadhyay detailed the specific breaches, stating, "JS University violated rules and regulations that included misuse of the authority to award degrees, distribution of fake mark sheets and degrees, failure to comply with mandatory land norms, and non-submission of required details to the Uttar Pradesh State Higher Education Council."
Aftermath and Transition Plan
Following the dissolution order, a clear protocol has been established to manage the fallout. All academic records of JS University will be transferred to the custody of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar University in Agra. This archive will serve as the basis for verifying the authenticity of degrees and mark sheets issued by the defunct university in the past.
To oversee the winding-down process, the cabinet decided to form a three-member interim committee under Section 55(6) of the relevant act. This committee will be responsible for managing the university's activities during the dissolution period.
New Educational Hub: IIMT University in Greater Noida
In a move to bolster credible higher education options, the cabinet approved the establishment of an off-campus centre for IIMT University, Meerut, in Greater Noida. Minister Upadhyay emphasized that this new centre will create fresh opportunities for higher education in western Uttar Pradesh and the National Capital Region (NCR).
"With the commencement of this off-campus centre, students will be able to access quality education within their own region," Upadhyay said. This decision is seen as a significant step towards decentralizing quality education and reducing the need for students to migrate to other cities for reputable institutions.
The cabinet's twin decisions highlight a strict approach towards eradicating corruption and fraud in the education sector, while simultaneously promoting the growth of legitimate and quality educational infrastructure in the state.
