UGC removes Sangai International University from list of HEIs, says can't offer degrees

NEW DELHI: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has formally delisted Sangai International University, located in Churachandpur, Manipur, from its roster of recognized universities as per Section 2(f) of the UGC Act, 1956. The decision of removal has been taken due the university's failure to furnish essential information required for inspection, despite numerous requests from UGC.

The Manipur government established the Sangai International University in Churachandpur, Manipur, as a state-private institution. Consequently, the university's name was added to the UGC list of universities in June 2015.

The UGC official notice read, "The University was requested to provide the information required for inspection vide UGC letters of even number dated 03.07.2015, 12.08.2015, 21.10.2016, 01.03.2019 and 11.01.2021. In spite of repeated written communications, the University has failed to submit the required information."

No response despite repeated written communications

The University has failed to provide the necessary information requested by UGC. Consequently, the UGC issued a show cause notice dated 19.12.2023 (F. No. 8-19/2015 (CPP-1/PU)), granting the university an opportunity to justify why action should not be taken against it, leading to removal from the UGC's list of recognized universities under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act, 1956. A copy of the show cause notice was forwarded to the department of higher education, government of Manipur, urging prompt action and comments. However, according to the UGC notice, neither the university nor the government of Manipur has responded to the communications.

Degrees from Sangai International University deemed invalid

In a public notice, the UGC has announced that degrees conferred by Sangai International University will not be recognized or considered valid in the absence of UGC approval. The UGC even advised that parents and students refrain from enrolling in any programs offered by the University starting from the date the notice is issued. The official notice states that, the university cannot offer any UGC specified degree of Under-Graduate (UG), Post Graduate (PG) level including PhD.