ANDHRA PRADESH: Manchu Vishnu Slams Higher Education Commission’s Decision as Unfortunate
Mohan Babu University (MBU) in Tirupati finds itself at the center of a brewing controversy, with regulatory scrutiny over alleged financial missteps sparking heated debate.
Pro-Chancellor Manchu Vishnu has stepped forward to douse the flames, dismissing viral social media claims as baseless amid an ongoing court battle.
As students and families navigate the noise, the institution reaffirms its dedication to quality education in Andhra Pradesh’s competitive higher learning landscape.
Regulatory Probe Uncovers Alleged Excesses
The Andhra Pradesh Higher Education Regulatory and Monitoring Commission (APHERMC) recently flagged irregularities at MBU, pinpointing over ₹26.17 crore in excess fees collected from students between 2022 and September 2024.
This stemmed from a complaint by the Parents Association, highlighting violations of government fee caps.
Beyond fees, the commission cited issues like incomplete income disclosures, lax attendance tracking, and delays in issuing student certificates.
In response, APHERMC slapped a ₹15 lakh penalty and suggested revoking the university’s recognition, moves that could reshape its operations.
Court Steps In with Stay Order
MBU swiftly challenged the findings in the Andhra Pradesh High Court, arguing the penalties exceed APHERMC’s authority under the 2016 Private Universities Act.
The court agreed, issuing an interim stay to halt enforcement while the case awaits a hearing on October 14.
This judicial pause buys time for the university to prepare its defense, but it hasn’t quelled public speculation.
Vishnu emphasized that the recommendations remain just that, proposals, not final rulings, until the courts weigh in.
Vishnu Fires Back at Social Media Storm
In a pointed Wednesday statement, Manchu Vishnu decried the spread of unverified reports online, calling them deliberate propaganda designed to tarnish MBU’s reputation.
He expressed dismay that stayed recommendations still appear on official portals, potentially alarming stakeholders.
Vishnu urged students, parents, and the community to ignore the chatter and trust the legal process.
Under Chancellor Dr. M. Mohan Babu, he added, MBU remains focused on holistic education, boasting top placements and salary packages that set it apart in the region.
Key reassurances from the statement include:
- Full compliance with judicial directives
- Uninterrupted academic sessions
- Continued support for student success
As the dust settles, this episode highlights the tightrope private universities walk between regulation and reputation in India’s evolving education sector.