Fake degrees used to seek jobs abroad

PU confirms 262 such cases in past two years

Chandigarh, August 4
In response to details sought under the Right to Information Act, Panjab University has confirmed at least 262 cases in which bogus PU academic degrees were misused in applying for admission in colleges or seeking employment abroad during the past two years.
What is more interesting is the fact that the varsity has not passed on any information regarding fake universities in other countries to the police.
As part of the information provided to The Tribune correspondent, PU received 45,885 queries from abroad for verification during the past five years. Among the long list of enquiries received during the past two years, as many 262 cases were found to involve fake degrees. The correspondent had sought information regarding the total number of cases where the university was asked to provide a report on the authenticity of the academic degrees that students had submitted while applying admission abroad during the past five years. Though details were also sought on the number of cases where degrees were found to be bogus, information pertaining to only two years was provided.
formation regarding authenticity of PU degrees had been sought by various agencies from foreign countries. PU officials said the details had been passed on only to those who had asked for specific details. Any candidate who was not satisfied with the varsity’s reply was free to contact the PU office of the registrar.
Sources requesting anonymity said: “PU officials were very well aware about an existing racket in fake degrees.”
When contacted, PU VC RC Sobti said any information on the matter should be sought in “writing”. “I’m unaware about any fake degree racket in PU. Steps are being taken to make the entire system foolproof,” he added. Asked to elaborate on the “foolproof system” he refused to divulge details, saying it would be revealed at the “right time”.