Varsity forms special cell to detect bogus degree forms

SURAT, March 15: The Sri Lanka-based Open International University for Complementary Medicine, in the news recently for having conferred an alleged bogus degree on vice-chancellor of South Gujarat University (SGU) Dr Ashwin Kapadia, has constituted a special cell for detailed scrutiny of applications.

The step was taken after SGU Syndicate member Hoshang Mirza, who launched a campaign to oust Kapadia, was able to prove that it was easy to purchase a degree from the university. Mirza made two persons seek doctorate from the Sri Lankan University and enclosed bogus credentials with the applications.

The University readily agreed to award a doctorate on Falguni Mehta soon after receiving her application and subsequently conferred it when she paid $195 as legal notarisation fee. Mirza also produced a certificate from the Sri Lankan University Grants Commission saying the university was not registered and hence not authorised to award a degree in higher education.The media coverage of the controversy gave abad name to the university, in India and abroad, according to Lord Pandit Dr Jaysuriya.