Chennai: Anna University has issued notices to 140 private engineering colleges across Tamil Nadu after an inquiry revealed large-scale irregularities involving professors fraudulently listed as working in multiple institutions.

The issue first came to light in 2023 when reports surfaced that several private engineering colleges had falsely shown the same faculty members as being employed in more than one institution to meet staff strength norms.

Subsequent investigations by Anna University found that over 700 professors across 295 colleges had been registered as faculty members in multiple colleges simultaneously, in violation of university regulations.

A special committee was constituted by the university to probe the matter in detail. Based on its findings, show-cause notices have now been sent to 140 colleges seeking explanations regarding the discrepancies.

University officials said further action, including the withdrawal of affiliation or reduction of student intake, may be considered against institutions found guilty after review.

The move is part of the university's ongoing efforts to ensure academic integrity and maintain quality standards in engineering education across the State.