ANDHRA PRADESH: Penalty Imposed on Mohan Babu University
Violations Unearthed
Mohan Babu University in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, has drawn sharp criticism after the Andhra Pradesh Higher Education Regulatory and Monitoring Commission slapped a Rs.15 lakh penalty on it.
The charges include overcharging students, hiding income details, mishandling attendance records, and delaying the release of original certificates.
The university settled the fine promptly, but deeper issues linger.
Massive Refund Mandate
On September 17, the commission directed the institution to return Rs 26.17 crore in excess fees gathered from students between 2022-23 and September 30, 2024.
This sum must reach affected students within 15 days, with full transparency required by publishing details online. Such overcollections undermine trust in educational fairness.
Push for Severe Action
The commission went further, urging the state government, University Grants Commission, All India Council for Technical Education, Pharmacy Council of India, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, National Council for Agricultural Higher Education, and Health Care Professions Council to yank approvals and recognitions.
This could spell the end for the university’s operations if heeded.
Roots of the Probe
What started as grievances from parents and student groups about unauthorized charges snowballed into a full investigation.
Formerly Sree Vidyaniketan Educational Institutions in Rangampet, it transitioned to private university status in 2022.
Under prior rules, 70% of engineering seats and 35% of new courses fell under government quota, with fees strictly capped by the commission.
- Extra tuition and building fees beyond limits
- Hostel and mess charges billed to non-residents
- Non-transparent income reporting
- Irregular attendance tracking
A three-member panel confirmed these lapses, highlighting how they burdened families already investing in their children’s futures.
Court Steps In
The university contested the orders in the Andhra Pradesh High Court, securing a three-week interim stay on September 26.
The next hearing is set for October 14, leaving refunds on hold and students in limbo.
This legal twist raises questions about balancing accountability with institutional rights.