Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Accuses USTM Of Fraudulent Practices, Calls For Legal Action
GUWAHATI: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has made serious charges against the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM), accusing the varsity of carrying out fake operations, such as selling PhD degrees.
CM Sarma alleged that USTM's Chancellor, Mahbubul Hoque, is involved in presenting a forged Other Backward Classes (OBC) caste certificate. The Chief Minister has expressed his determination to expose what he termed a “complete fraud” and has invited legal consequences for those involved.
The controversy surrounding USTM has prompted discussions about the establishment of a Supreme Court monitoring committee to assess the environmental impact of the university’s development activities, particularly concerning the cutting of mountains in the region. This is also extended to the academic credentials awarded by USTM, with allegations that the university lacks genuine educational processes, such as exams and degree awards.
Subsequent to these allegations, CM Sarma has affirmed that foreign funding for the economic activities of USTM has been suspended subsequent to allegations of corruption.
The allegations have sparked controversy among the Assam academic circle with questions being raised over the integrity of the state's institutions and potential harm to the students and stakeholders of USTM.
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