Bodoland University dismisses allegations over PhD degrees, terms reports misleading

Bodoland University Vice-Chancellor B.L. Ahuja has strongly refuted recent media reports alleging irregularities in the awarding of doctoral (PhD) degrees by the university, describing the claims as baseless, misleading and aimed at tarnishing the institution’s reputation.

 

Addressing a press conference at the university’s conference hall, Prof. Ahuja clarified that reports claiming the PhD degrees of 127 scholars were invalid and that the University Grants Commission (UGC) had summoned university authorities to New Delhi were incorrect.

 

He stated that Bodoland University has been strictly following all academic procedures and regulations prescribed by the UGC and maintained that the institution's academic standards remain fully compliant with national guidelines.

 

“The academic standards and procedures followed by Bodoland University are fully in accordance with the guidelines and policies laid down by the University Grants Commission,” Prof. Ahuja said.

 

The Vice-Chancellor alleged that certain reports were part of a deliberate attempt to damage the image of the university, which he said has been steadily progressing in the fields of higher education, research and academic excellence.

 

Clarifying reports regarding a meeting held on May 26, Prof. Ahuja said it was a routine review meeting convened by the UGC with representatives from various universities across the country and should not be construed as a summons or disciplinary action against Bodoland University.

 

“The meeting was aimed at discussing academic and administrative matters with university authorities on a common platform. It should not be interpreted as a summons or any form of action against the university,” he said.

 

Also present at the press conference were Ratul Deka from the Department of Assamese and Janin Musahary from the Department of Political Science, representing the Bodoland University Teachers Association.

 

The teachers representatives also criticised what they described as negative and biased reporting by a section of the media, alleging that vested-interest groups were attempting to spread misinformation and create confusion regarding the university’s academic processes.

 

University authorities reiterated their commitment to maintaining academic integrity and urged the public not to be influenced by what they termed as unfounded allegations and misleading reports.