June 11, 2013 3:33:40 am
The UGC has formed an expert panel to inquire into issues related to CMJ University,Shillong,that had awarded 434 PhDs in an academic year. In a public notice,the apex higher education regulator said it is informing students and general public that the Meghalaya Governor R S Mooshahary has already acted against the varsity for its irregularities. It also said that it has set up an expert panel to take a comprehensive look at the issue.
HRD Minister Pallam Raju who was in Shillong last week had said the UGC should warn the public about the varsity in the wake of recent findings. The UGC had last month asked all state universities to furnish details of PhDs awarded by them,the process followed,details of candidates and the research they are working on.
Last month,The Indian Express had reported that the university – Meghalayas first private varsity – set up in 2009,had awarded 434 PhDs in 2012-13 though only ten of its faculty members have doctorate degrees.
Governor Mooshahary who is also the varsitys Visitor had asked it to withdraw all degrees awarded so far. Terming the admission of over 3,300 students enrolled with the varsity since 2010-11as illegal,he had directed the varsity not take fresh admissions until a new Chancellor is appointed as per UGC regulations.
The Meghalaya Police have registered a case against the university. The Governor had said that all PhDs awarded by the university were in contravention of the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of M Phil/ PhD degree) Regulations,2009.
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