22 fake varsities functioning in country, says Irani

Even after several measures to weed out fake universities, they still flourish with impunity. The Centre has admitted that as many as 22 ‘fake’ universities are functioning in the country, with a maximum of 9 in Uttar Pradesh and 5 in Delhi.

Replying to a question in Rajya Sabha, Smriti Irani said that the ministry is in the process of writing to Ministry of External Affairs to seek a list of all fake varsities and institutions abroad so that students do not get trapped and duped.

“As per information available with the UGC, there are 22 universities (in the country) which have been listed in the UGC list of fake universities and are functioning in contravention or violation of the UGC Act, 1956 in different parts of the country,” the minister said.

Besides UP and Delhi, there are two in West Bengal and one each in Bihar, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Odisha, she said. Replying to questions, she brushed aside charges that the Centre was washing its hands off in taking action against such varsities, saying the government had fulfilled its duties in informing the state governments for action against the concerned.