In a significant development for the education sector in Madhya Pradesh, Gwalior’s Jiwaji University has witnessed the dismissal of its Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Avinash Tiwari, and an executive committee member. This action, ordered by Governor Mangubhai Patel, follows an FIR filed by the Economic Offenses Wing (EOW) regarding the accreditation of a fraudulent college. The governor’s intervention has led to the implementation of Section 52 in the university, aimed at ensuring educational integrity. Dr. Rajkumar Acharya has been appointed as the new Vice-Chancellor until further notice. This incident raises alarms about the deeper issues of educational malpractice within the state.
Background of the Scandal
The scandal came to light approximately eight months ago with the identification of Shiv Shakti College located in Jhundpura, Morena district, which has been falsely accredited for 14 years despite not existing. Notably, Dr. Arun Sharma’s name was listed as the principal of this non-existent college. Upon learning of this situation, Dr. Sharma raised a considerable uproar, bringing this issue under public scrutiny. Consequently, after thorough investigations, the EOW registered an FIR on January 13 against Dr. Avinash Tiwari and 19 other professors.
Governor’s Orders Issued on Tuesday
Despite the FIR, no action was initially taken against Dr. Tiwari, prompting Dr. Arun Sharma to conduct a non-violent protest beneath the main building of Jiwaji University. His efforts included a bicycle march to the Governor’s residence, which eventually drew significant attention to the issue. In response to the escalating situation, the Governor issued formal orders on Tuesday evening, resulting in the dismissal of all accused parties and the application of Section 52 to maintain university operations. Additionally, Dr. Ramkumar Acharya from Awadhesh Pratap Singh University has been appointed as the new Vice-Chancellor for Jiwaji University.
Dr. Arun Sharma’s Investigative Efforts
Over the past eight months, Dr. Arun Sharma has filed a staggering 147 Right to Information (RTI) requests, leading to the compilation of 400 pages of authenticated documents. His relentless pursuit of justice garnered support from various student organizations, resulting in the unearthing of a vast educational fraud network. Based on the collected evidence, Dr. Sharma claims that there are about 400 bogus colleges operating across the eight districts of the Gwalior-Chambal region, and he intends to disclose further information about these institutions soon.
Impact on Higher Education
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Fraudulent Colleges | Approximately 400 in Gwalior-Chambal region |
| Years of Fraudulent Accreditation | 14 years |
| Number of RTIs Filed | 147 |
| Number of Accused Parties | 20 (including the Vice-Chancellor) |
Conclusion
This incident underscores the necessity for stringent checks and balances within the Indian higher education system. As educational fraud continues to be a pressing issue, the active role of individuals like Dr. Arun Sharma has highlighted the critical importance of transparency and accountability in educational credentials. With the intervention of authorities, it is hoped that the integrity of educational institutions in Madhya Pradesh can be restored to ensure that students receive quality and legitimate education.