The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has made two key decisions in the higher education sector. Firstly, JS University in Shikohabad, Firozabad district, is set to be liquidated due to serious irregularities, including the issuance of fake mark sheets and degrees for the B.P.Ed. course. This led to arrests in the Rajasthan Physical Education Teacher Recruitment Examination-2022.
Higher Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyay revealed that government investigations uncovered various violations at JS University, such as misuse of authority, distribution of counterfeit certificates, and non-compliance with reporting requirements. Consequently, the decision to wind up JS University has been made, with all records to be transferred to Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Agra for safekeeping and verification.
In a separate move, the Cabinet has granted approval for IIMT University, Meerut, to establish an off-campus center in Greater Noida. This decision, in line with the Uttar Pradesh Private Universities Act, 2019, and its Second Amendment Act, 2021, aims to enhance access to quality higher education in Western Uttar Pradesh and the National Capital Region. The off-campus center is expected to offer new educational opportunities for students in the region.
To oversee the liquidation process of JS University, a three-member interim committee has been formed as per the relevant Act. Simultaneously, the expansion of IIMT University into Greater Noida is anticipated to bring academic programs closer to students’ homes, aligning with the government’s strategy to combat malpractices in higher education and improve educational access.
