Over the years mushrooming of private universities in the state has been a cause for the concern. Large numbers of private universities are operating in the state. Thousands of students are studying in these universities with the hope of better future. However credentials of these universities have always been questioned by the academicians. One of the major private universities operating in Arunachal, the Apex Professional University (APU) based at Pasighat has run into trouble.
The Adi Students’ Union (AdiSU) has alleged that APU is functioning in violation of UGC norms and government notification issued for establishment of APU. East Siang district administration has constituted a fact finding committee to look into the matter. The report of committee will be awaited with much interest by the people of Arunachal Pradesh. It might open Pandora box of how these private universities are operating in the state and whether they are following the laid down norms. The education department in particularly should strictly check the functioning of these universities. They should not just washed off their responsibilities by putting everything on UGC. The political leadership also needs to open their eyes and check the mushrooming of private universities. Instead of producing quality students, they are merely becoming a degree producing factory. The future of students as well as that of state is at stake. Chief Minister Pema Khandu, who is known to be sensitive to the issues concerning citizens, should intervene and look into the matter.