UGC debars private varsity from PhD enrolments for 5 years
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has debarred Shri Jagdishprasad Jhabarmal Tibrewala University (JJTU), Chudela, Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, from enrolling scholars under the PhD programme for the next five years (academic year 2025-26 to 2029-30).
Students from Haryana have been pursuing PhD from these universities after paying hefty fee
A number of students from Haryana as well as other neighbouring states have been pursuing PhD degrees from these private universities after paying hefty fees.
JJTU is the fourth university of Rajasthan that has been debarred from PhD enrolments in the past one month. In January, the UGC had debarred OPJS University, Churu; Sunrise University, Alwar; and Singhania University, Jhunjhunu, from enrolling scholars.
The UGC debarred them after it was found that they were not complying with norms and regulations.
As per a public notice issued by UGC Secretary Prof Manish R Joshi on February 12, JJTU has been informed about the decision and has been directed to immediately discontinue enrolling PhD students.
"Prospective students and parents are hereby advised not to take admission in the PhD programme offered by JJTU from now onwards. In the absence of UGC approval, PhD awarded by the university shall not be treated as recognised/valid for the purpose of higher education and employment," states the notice.
A standing committee constituted by the UGC to monitor whether the universities are following the procedure and awarding PhD degrees in accordance with the UGC regulations had found that JJTU did not follow the provisions.
"The university was given an opportunity to explain why it failed to comply with the provisions of the UGC PhD regulations. However, the response received from JJTU was not found satisfactory. Hence, the university was debarred from PhD enrolments for five years," the notice said.
Dr Vikas Siwach, president of the Haryana Federation of University and College Teachers Organisations (HFUCTO), has demanded a high-level inquiry into the alleged exploitation of students by the managements of private universities and large-scale irregularities committed by them to ensure the provision of quality education at the institutes of higher learning.
