VC on govt radar over ‘fake degree’

MOTIHARI VARSITY’S VC REFUSED TO COMMENT, SAYING HE HAD ALREADY GIVEN HIS RESPONSE TO THE MINISTRY ON THE ISSUE OF FAKE PHD

NEW DELHI: : The Union human resource development (HRD) ministry is looking into allegations against the vice-chancellor (VC) of Mahatma Gandhi Central University in Bihar’s Motihari that he had submitted inaccurate information regarding his academic credentials in his application for the top varsity post.

Two HRD ministry officials said a complaint had been received that Arvind Aggarwal had wrongly claimed to have obtained his PHD from a German institute. It was alleged that Aggarwal had actually got his degree from the University of Rajasthan.

“The complaint alleges that there are inaccuracies related to the VC’S degree. There is also an allegation that he has given wrong details of marks of one of his academic degrees. The ministry had sought a response from him and accordingly a decision would be taken,” said an HRD ministry official.

Another official said the VC met the minimum requirements for the post, but his reply needed to be assessed.

“It seems that he may have studied in Germany in relation with the course. However, the degree awarding institution may have been in Rajasthan,” the second official said.

Aggarwal declined to comment saying he had conveyed his response to the ministry on the issue.

The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes has earlier in September served a notice on Aggrawal over alleged violation of reservation norms in admissions to the university for Scheduled Tribes candidates.