UGC to probe issue of capitation fees

the ugc ( university grants commission), which is the monitoring agency for the deemed universities, will set up two separate committees for the purpose. the decision was taken following media reports that officials of shree balaji medical college and sri ramachandra university allegedly demanded capitation fees in the range of rs 12-20 lakh from students. 'we decided to go for independent inquiry into the matter of alleged capitation fees. two separate committees will investigate the allegations and submit report within a month,' ugc chairman prof sukhadeo thorat said. balaji medical college, which is said to be run by minister of state for information and broadcasting s jagathrakshakan, is a constituent unit of bharat university. however, the charge has been denied by jagathrakshakan. the hrd ministry yesterday issued notices to both the institutions seeking reply as to why their deemed-to-be-university status should not be withdrawn and appropriate action under the law be not initiated against them. 'the committees will go through the video footage and talk to the stakeholders, including the students of the institutions. if found guilty by the committees, ugc can recommend withdrawal of the deemed-to-be-university status of both the institutions,' thorat said.