SHILLONG, Feb 17: A day after Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma accused the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) of issuing fake certificates and degrees to students, the Meghalaya BJP has demanded a judicial probe into the allegations against the varsity.
Backing the Assam CM, the BJP’s state general secretary, Wankitbok Pohshna on Monday said the Meghalaya government must investigate the serious allegations that have been levelled against the USTM.
“The accusation is serious and it requires a thorough probe by a neutral agency. Even the faintest suspicion of fake degrees and fake certificates has serious ramifications on a student’s future, bringing with it the potential to destroy many a budding career. In such a scenario, it becomes the government’s responsibility to investigate and present the truth to the public,” he said.
Admitting that anyone can make an allegation, Pohshna said that the charges have been brought by the chief minister of a neighbouring state, which makes it a matter of genuine concern.
Referring to the Assam government’s threat to de-recognise USTM degrees for government job applications which will have a domino effect and jeopardise the prospects for many, he said the Meghalaya government should not wait for official communication but immediately commence an independent judicial investigation.
On Sunday, Sarma told media persons that the university was facing “increasing financial liabilities” of late.
“The academic system at USTM is fraudulent, and the institution is issuing students fake certificates. The degrees, including PhDs, are allegedly being sold at the institution. There are no proper exams,” he alleged.
Taking a dig at USTM Chancellor Mahbubul Hoque, Sarma asked: “How can intellectuals, associated with the university, continue to support the institution and the chancellor who had once fraudulently obtained an OBC certificate?”
Since August last year, Sarma fired a volley of allegations against the USTM, accusing it of “flood jihad”, a reaction triggered by the artificial floods that inundated various locations of Guwahati (on August 5).
The chief minister blamed the “hill cutting by USTM” for escalating the problem of flash floods in Guwahati and warned of moving the National Green Tribunal against the USTM for alleged rampant hill cutting.
Education Minister Rakkam A. Sangma stressed the need for proof before any action can be taken against the University.
“Without verifying the facts, I cannot comment on this. Anyone can make allegations, but they must be supported by evidence. It may or may not be true, but I cannot verify without proof,” he said.
“This is a very serious and unfortunate accusation. However, if it is true, the government will definitely take appropriate action,” he added.
The USTM, however, downplayed the remarks by the Assam CM, saying the varsity, established under the provisions of the University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya Act, enacted by the state Assembly was awarded an “A Grade” rating by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) in 2021.
“Besides, USTM is empowered by the University Grants Commission to award degrees as specified by the UGC. It has also received the necessary approval from AICTE, New Delhi; NCTE, ERC, Bhubaneswar, Pharmacy Council of India, BCI, New Delhi to run MBA, B.Ed., D.Pharm and B.Pharm, LLB (H), and BALLB (H) programmes respectively,” a university official said.
