Thu May 29 13:04:04 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the provided text and a news article rewrite:
**Summary:**
The Andhra Pradesh Technical and Professional Institutions Employees Association (APTPIEA) is urging the All-India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) to investigate alleged “gross irregularities” at private deemed-to-be universities in Andhra Pradesh. The association claims these institutions are offering unapproved online programs, manipulating academic records, inflating placement statistics, imposing hidden fees, and engaging in unethical Ph.D. practices. They also allege irregularities in inspection procedures at JNTU-Kakinada affiliated colleges, including a principal with a fake Ph.D., insufficient faculty, and questionable autonomous status grants.
**News Article:**
**Andhra Pradesh Association Alleges Widespread Fraud in Private Universities, Calls for AICTE Investigation**
*Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh – May 29, 2025* – The Andhra Pradesh Technical and Professional Institutions Employees Association (APTPIEA) has issued a scathing indictment of several private, deemed-to-be universities in the state, alleging widespread irregularities that compromise the quality and integrity of technical education. In a letter to AICTE Chairman T.G. Sitharam, the association demanded a thorough investigation into these institutions and JNTU-Kakinada affiliated colleges.
APTPIEA President M.V. Bramhananda Reddy accused the universities of offering unauthorized online and distance learning programs, manipulating student records, inflating placement rates, and imposing hidden fees on students. The association also raised serious concerns about unethical practices within Ph.D. programs, including a lack of proper guidance and delays in thesis evaluations.
“These institutions are misleading students and stakeholders with false promises and dishonest practices,” stated Mr. Reddy. “We urge the AICTE to take swift and decisive action to protect the integrity of technical education in Andhra Pradesh.”
The allegations extend to engineering colleges affiliated with Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU)-Kakinada. APTPIEA claims that inspection procedures are flawed and that some colleges granted autonomous status did not follow due diligence. The association specifically cited a case where a college principal allegedly holds a fake Ph.D. and where the college lacked sufficient ratified faculty. They are demanding a re-inspection of those colleges by the authorities.
The AICTE has yet to respond to the APTPIEA’s letter. However, if the allegations are proven true, these universities could face serious consequences, including loss of accreditation and legal action. This controversy highlights growing concerns about the regulation and oversight of private technical education in India.
First Piper 