The Indian government has identified 21 fake universities operating across the country and has called on state governments to take legal action against these fraudulent institutions. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan disclosed this in the Lok Sabha, emphasizing the need to protect students from deceitful practices. The list of fake universities has been published on the University Grants Commission (UGC) website to raise public awareness.
In addition, the Ministry of Education announced a ₹2,875.29 crore increase in the 2024-25 higher education budget, with significant funding allocated to institutions in Rajasthan.
Details of the Fake Universities
Major Highlights
- 21 Fake Universities Identified: The UGC has published the names of these institutions on its official website.
- Delhi Tops the List: Eight fake universities were found operating in Delhi, the highest among all states.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: The Ministry is raising awareness through social media and the UGC portal to help students and parents identify these fraudulent institutions.
Students and parents are encouraged to verify the legitimacy of universities on the UGC website before seeking admission.
Steps to Prevent Fraudulent Practices
The government is adopting several measures to prevent these institutions from deceiving students:
- Legal Action: State governments have been directed to take strict action against these fake universities.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Social media platforms and the UGC website are being used to educate the public.
- Increased Vigilance: UGC and state authorities are closely monitoring universities to identify fraudulent activities.
Higher Education Budget 2024-25
The government has announced a ₹2,875.29 crore increase in the higher education budget for the upcoming fiscal year:
- Total Allocation: ₹47,619.77 crore for FY 2024-25, up from ₹44,744.48 crore in FY 2023-24.
- Focus Areas: Strengthening higher education institutions and supporting centrally funded projects.
Higher Education Expenditure in Rajasthan
The government provided a detailed breakdown of funding allocated to higher education institutions in Rajasthan for FY 2024-25:
| Institution | Allocation (₹ crore) |
|---|---|
| IIT Jodhpur | Part of ₹556.86 crore |
| Malaviya National Institute of Technology Jaipur | Part of ₹556.86 crore |
| Central University of Rajasthan | Part of ₹556.86 crore |
| IIM Udaipur | ₹535.99 crore |
| IIIT Kota | ₹535.99 crore |
This funding aims to boost infrastructure, research, and academic initiatives in these premier institutions.
Impact of Increased Funding
The additional budget allocation will:
- Enhance the quality of education and research facilities.
- Support ongoing and new projects at centrally funded institutions.
- Improve the global competitiveness of Indian higher education.
FAQs
What are fake universities?
Fake universities are institutions operating without proper recognition or accreditation from regulatory bodies like the UGC, misleading students with illegitimate degrees.
How many fake universities were identified?
The government has identified 21 fake universities, with 8 located in Delhi.
Where can I find the list of fake universities?
The list is available on the official UGC website.
What steps are being taken against these universities?
State governments have been directed to initiate legal action, and public awareness campaigns are being conducted to prevent students from enrolling in these institutions.
What is the 2024-25 higher education budget?
The total allocation for higher education is ₹47,619.77 crore, a ₹2,875.29 crore increase from the previous year.
Which institutions in Rajasthan are receiving funding?
Institutions like IIT Jodhpur, MNIT Jaipur, Central University of Rajasthan, IIM Udaipur, and IIIT Kota are among the beneficiaries.
How does this funding impact higher education?
The increased funding will improve infrastructure, research capabilities, and academic standards, aligning with India’s goal to enhance global educational competitiveness.
What should students do to verify a university’s legitimacy?
Students should check the university’s accreditation status on the UGC website before applying.
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