Rajasthan Government Initiates Stringent Probes into 10 Private Universities Over Alleged Fake Degree Distribution
The Rajasthan government has taken decisive action by ordering comprehensive investigations into 10 private universities following numerous complaints regarding the distribution of fake degrees and serious administrative irregularities. This significant announcement was made by Deputy Chief Minister and Higher Education Minister Prem Chand Bairwa during a session in the state Assembly on Friday.
Government's Firm Stance on Educational Fraud
In response to supplementary questions raised by MLA Kalicharan Saraf, Minister Bairwa provided detailed insights into the government's proactive measures. "Upon receiving substantial complaints concerning fake degrees and various irregularities, the government has mandated inquiries against 10 private universities. All actions are being executed strictly in accordance with the legal framework," Bairwa stated emphatically.
He further elaborated that the state is actively progressing towards the establishment of a dedicated regulatory commission specifically designed to monitor and prevent fraudulent activities within the private higher education sector. This initiative aims to ensure transparency and accountability across all private institutions.
Notable Cases and Administrative Actions
One of the most prominent cases involves OPJS University in Churu, which was officially dissolved on January 7 due to allegations of large-scale fraud. Following this dissolution, the Bikaner divisional commissioner has been appointed as the administrator to oversee the university's affairs. "In the OPJS University case, employees and intermediaries found guilty of engaging in irregularities were arrested and subsequently incarcerated," Bairwa confirmed, noting that the investigation remains ongoing.
Similarly, stringent actions have been implemented against officials of Mewar University in Chittorgarh, where staff members allegedly involved in malpractice were apprehended. Investigations into the remaining universities are currently in progress to uncover any further misconduct.
List of Universities Under Investigation
The following private universities are currently under scrutiny by the Rajasthan government:
- OPJS University (Churu)
- Singhania University (Jhunjhunu)
- Sunrise University (Alwar)
- Shri JJT University (Jhunjhunu)
- Mewar University (Chittorgarh)
- Madhav University (Sirohi)
- Raffles University (Alwar)
- Nirwan University (Jaipur)
- University of Technology (Jaipur)
- Jagdish Jhabarmal Tibrewala University (Jhunjhunu)
Broader Implications and Future Regulatory Framework
In addition to addressing university-specific issues, Minister Bairwa referenced irregularities identified in the Rajasthan Staff Selection Board's Physical Education Teacher Recruitment Exam 2022. He disclosed that formal letters have been dispatched to the Special Operations Group, requesting a thorough and comprehensive probe into these matters.
To fortify oversight and deter future irregularities, the formation of a Regulatory Commission is under active consideration. "A detailed draft proposal will be prepared imminently and forwarded to the Law Department for meticulous examination and approval," Bairwa announced.
He also highlighted that an earlier version of the Rajasthan Private Higher Education Institution Regulatory Authority Bill, 2023 was submitted for legal evaluation. However, a newly constituted committee is now tasked with refining the proposed legislation to enhance its robustness and ensure alignment with the provisions outlined in the National Education Policy 2020.
These concerted efforts underscore the Rajasthan government's unwavering commitment to eradicating corruption and upholding the integrity of higher education across the state.
