Frauds feasting on pathetic higher education system
- The People's Chronicle Editorial :: July 19, 2022 -

In view of Manipur University placed in an unenviable 178th position among the top 200 universities of the country as per the recently released report of National Institutional Ranking Framework and none of colleges able to make the cut among the top 200, it’s not surprising that parents who could afford wouldn’t fret over their wards pursuing higher education outside the state.

Such poor rankings of both Manipur University and colleges of the state are the primary reason why the parents and guardians scout for reputed universities and colleges in mainland parts of the country for enrolment of their children/wards and generally seek the help of local agents of higher educational institutions in other states even if it means making heavier expenditures.

Thus, regardless of All Manipur Students’ Union and Karbi Students’ Association, Assam cautioning that many agents or representatives of universities and colleges based outside the state are on the prowl to aid in the admission process, it is unlikely that the warning would be accorded importance by the parents.

Nevertheless, one shouldn’t brush aside the points raised by AMSU and KSA, especially with regard to possibility of fraud agents duping the vulnerable ones of their hard-earned money with the promise of securing their wards’ admission in private universities.

As one of the organisations, which has been prioritising interest and safeguard of the student community, AMSU must be aware of agents’ attempt to commercialise the admission process and rake in hefty sum of money from parents whose ultimate goal is to ensure compatible education to their children.

Moreover, without evidence, it is certain that AMSU vice president Laishram Athouba Meitei wouldn’t contend that there were numerous cases where private universities and colleges published advertisement promising scholarships and other facilities which impressed many students from the north-eastern states to admit in such institutions only to be deprived of the assured packages and facilities creating serious problems for them.

Of course, not all the agents are frauds as is evident from Manipuri students securing admission in prestigious institutions, broadening their knowledge base and sealing lucrative jobs or pursuing a successful career whereas students who completed college or university studies in Manipur have limited opportunities and are living an ordinary life.

Though there is no official record on the number of students betrayed by the agents after coaxing their parents by glossing the institutions they represent and promising better educational facilities and merit-based incentives, it’s a fact that many Manipuri students had bitter experiences and were constrained to change institutions mid-term or after wasting an academic session or two.

The only reason why parents/guardians don’t expose fraud agents or treacherous institutions could be to cover up the embarrassment of being gulled.

Amid such scandalous conduct of the agents and representatives, it is heartening to learn that both AMSU and KSA, Assam have not only urged students and guardians to be cautious of such deceitful institutions but also assured of assisting the students in accessing relevant information about the universities and colleges to prevent these institutions from literally extorting the parents/guardians.