Rajasthan's Ghost Universities: Empty Campuses, Millions Spent

An investigation into Rajasthan's education system has revealed several 'paper universities' that exist more in name than in reality. These institutions allegedly feature empty campuses, absent students, and significant annual expenditures on salaries, vehicles, and office infrastructure, despite minimal academic engagement.

Following the exposé, Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagde promptly removed Vice Chancellor Dev Swaroop from his posts at Baba Amte Divyang University and Vishwakarma Skill University. This action is reportedly linked to accusations of serious irregularities during his prior role at Rajasthan University between 2011 and 2014, including manipulated interview marks and forged documents.

Specifically, Baba Amte Divyang University, launched in 2023, reportedly received land but failed to establish affiliated colleges, expand its campus, or enroll students, yet incurred expenses of nearly Rs 3.27 crore, with a substantial portion allocated to salaries. Similarly, Vishwakarma Skill University, established in 2008, operates with minimal staff despite consistent annual allocations.

The controversy also stems from public concerns previously raised by Governor Bagde himself regarding the operation of universities with negligible student enrollment. The inquiry committee's findings suggest rules were bypassed to favor specific candidates during appointments, further fueling criticism of how such institutions are announced and sustained without genuine academic foundations.