A year ago, a case was registered against a company called the Indian Satellite Research and Development Organisation (ISRDO). The name bore uncanny resemblance to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Bangalore, one of India's premier institutions. The company had fraudulently recruited scientists and engineers to conduct research in the field of science and technology.

However, the police can only act when a case is registered with them. "There is no proactive role on part of the police in checking institutions that are not recognised. We act after receiving a complaint from students," said Rajan Bhagat, spokesperson, Delhi Police. "If a student complains that the college or institute made false promises, be it placements or affiliations, we register a case," Bhagat said.

Experts feel that a stronger regulatory body needs to be put into place to check such fraud. "The government needs to look beyond the AICTE. There should be a stronger check," said K.K. Aggarwal, Vice-Chancellor of Guru Govind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU), which provides affiliation to colleges/institutes.

Aggarwal emphasised that the institution should have adequate infrastructure such as classrooms, tutorials, drawing halls, computer centre, library workshops and labs. "Programmes that are being run in collaboration with foreign institutions/ universities should also have AICTE approval," said Aggarwal.

The National Knowledge Commission has also favoured the creation of a single independent regulatory authority for higher education. The NKC has sought to redefine the role of the UGC in disbursement of grants and maintenance of public institutions in higher education.

In its report to the Prime Minister, it has recommended the role of the AICTE and the MCI be performed by a national-level regulatory body and their role be limited to that of professional associations.

There Is Help At Hand
AICTE APPROVES
Courses in engineering, management, MCA, Architecture, town planing, pharmacy, hotel managment etc. The UGC gives affiliation to courses run by universities. National knowledge Commission has favoured the creation of a single independent regulatory authority.

FACILITATION COUNTERS
Opened in Bangalore, Bhopal, Chennai, Chandigarh, Kanpur, Kolkata and Mumbai to help students with with information on AICTE recognised Institutions.

ONLINE HELP
The list of AICTE approved institutes can be accessed at www.aicte.ernet.in. The AICTE can also be reached at ifc@aicte.ernet.in.