Tirupati: APHERMC recommends withdrawing Mohan Babu University’s recognition over irregularities

Tirupati: Andhra Pradesh Higher Education Regulatory and Monitoring Commission (APHERMC) has recommended withdrawing permissions and recognition granted to Mohan Babu University (MBU) in Tirupati.

The decision was made after the authorities detected several irregularities. The commission asked the state government and UGC, AICTE, PCI, ICAR, and NCAHP to withdraw the university's recognition.

The commission imposed a fine of ₹15 lakh on the university for violations, including collecting excess fees from students, failing to disclose income, irregularities in maintaining attendance records, and withholding students’ original certificates. The university has reportedly paid the penalty.

Additionally, the commission directed the university to refund ₹26.17 crore, the excess amount collected from students between the 2022–23 academic year and September 30, 2024. The university was instructed to complete the refund within 15 days and publish the details on its official website.

Background of the issue:

Formerly known as Sri Vidyaniketan in Rangampet, Tirupati district, the institution was converted into Mohan Babu University in 2022. Before this, 70% of seats in Sri Vidyaniketan Engineering College and 35% of seats in other courses under the Greenfield project were filled under the government convener quota, with fees fixed by the Higher Education Regulatory Commission.

However, complaints from the Parents’ Association alleged that the university collected additional amounts—including hostel and building fees—from students who never availed of hostel facilities. Acting on these complaints, the commission constituted a three-member committee to investigate the matter.

In response to the commission’s directives, the university filed a petition in the High Court, which granted a three-week interim stay on September 26. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for October 14.

Responding to media reports, MBU Pro-Chancellor Manchu Vishnu stated that the university strongly opposes the APHERMC recommendations. He clarified that these are only recommendations and that the matter is currently before the Andhra Pradesh High Court.

Vishnu noted that the High Court has already issued a stay order in favour of the university against the Commission’s recommendations. He termed it unfortunate that the recommendations were still posted on the official portal despite the court’s directive.