4 varsities under lens over fake PhD degrees

Sirsa, June 9
Doctorate degrees issued by four private universities have come under a scanner, after Chaudhary Devi Lal University (CDLU), Sirsa, has ordered an inquiry into the documents of teachers holding degrees by these institutions.

Following complaints and media reports that some teachers have obtained jobs or managed promotions on the basis of "fake" PhD degrees issued by Chandra Mohan Jha (CMJ) University, Shillong, and some other private universities of the country, the CDLU has sought a report from the principals of its affiliated colleges.

In a communication to the principals of colleges affiliated to the CDLU, Dr SK Gahlawat, Dean of Colleges, has named three other universities, Vinayaka Mission University, Salem (Tamil Nadu), Global Open University, Nagaland, and EIILM University, Sikkim, besides CMJ University whose degrees are under a scanner. "We have told the principals to look into the authenticity of the PhD degrees issued by these universities and the university has also asked a person, who lodged a complaint regarding appointment of some teachers against fake degrees in Tohana to file an affidavit in support of his complaint," said Gahlawat.

Meanwhile, the media reports suggest that the Maharashtra Government has issued a circular on Friday directing all non-agriculture universities to immediately cancel all appointments, promotions and increments made on the basis of degrees obtained from the CMJ University. The move comes after reports that the CJM University "sold" hundreds of fake degrees to students across the country for a premium of Rs 2 to Rs 5 lakh. The police had sealed the CMJ University campus after Governor RS Mooshahary lodged a complaint against the university alleging fraudulent activities.