Five Sikkim universities named in UGC default list for non-compliance

GANGTOK, : The University Grants Commission (UGC) has released a list of 54 defaulting State private universities across India that have not submitted the mandatory information under Section 13 of the UGC Act, 1956, or failed to upload their Public Self-Disclosure details on their official websites. The disclosure is a statutory requirement to ensure transparency and accessibility for students and stakeholders.

Among them, five private universities from Sikkim i.e. Medhavi Sikkim University (East), Sikkim Alpine University (formerly EIILM University-South), Sikkim International University (West), Sikkim Global Technical University (South), and Sikkim Skill University (South) are on the list.

As per the UGC’s Public Self-Disclosure by higher education guidelines, 2024, notified on June 10, all higher education institutions are required to maintain a functional website to provide relevant information to stakeholders. The information disclosed on the website should be easily accessible to everyone, on the home page, without any need for registration or login. Additionally, there should be a 'search' facility available for easy navigation.

Also, the universities were directed to submit detailed information for inspection purposes under Section 13 of the UGC Act, 1956 (soft copy only in the prescribed format available at the UGC website) along with supporting documents duly attested by the Registrar of the University within the stipulated period. The universities were also directed to upload the filled-in format and appendices on their website by giving a link on the home page so that the information is accessible to the students and the general public.

The UGC has claimed that the 54 State private universities were sent repeated reminders through emails and online meetings. It was notified that the 54 State private universities, including those from Sikkim have not submitted the information under Section 13 of the UGC Act, 1956, or have not uploaded the Public Self-Disclosure information on their respective website.

Accordingly, the list of universities that are yet to comply with the directions were issued notifications with requests to comply with the UGC directions.

In response, Sikkim Alpine University has issued a clarification stating that it has already met the UGC’s requirements. In a public notice, the university clarified that it has already uploaded the required public self-disclosure information on its official website and has duly furnished and submitted the requisite information under Section 13 of the UGC Act, 1956 to the University Grants Commission (UGC).

The Sikkim Alpine University added that it is in active communication with the UGC for delisting its name from the defaulting universities list, and reiterated its commitment to comply with all statutory requirements and directions issued by the competent authorities. The university emphasized that the process was routine and did not affect its credibility, recognition, or day-to-day functioning.

Similarly, Medhavi Skill University (MSU) Sikkim also issued a public clarification. MSU affirmed that it had fully complied with UGC directives, uploading the disclosure details on its website and submitting the requisite documents on May 20, 2025. The university further stated that UGC officials have acknowledged receipt of its submissions and assured that MSU’s name will not appear in the updated list.

The MSU reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining transparency and accountability, while highlighting its unique skill-integrated education model in Sikkim, backed by modern infrastructure and industry-linked learning.

“We have also cross-verified with UGC officials, who have acknowledged receipt of all documentation. Accordingly, in the forthcoming list, the name of Medhavi Skills University will not be reflected.”

The MSU asserted that it remains firmly committed to all UGC rules and regulations, upholding the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and governance. Further, the university takes pride in its pioneering skill-integrated higher education model in Sikkim, supported by state-of-the-art laboratories and modern infrastructure to deliver quality education and industry-ready graduates,” reads the public notice.

Both institutions stressed that their temporary inclusion in the UGC’s list does not undermine their recognition or academic credibility.

Meanwhile, the development has ignited a political storm.

Opposition Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) accused the ruling SKM government of “rapid and unchecked privatisation of higher education” and said the UGC action vindicates its long-standing warnings.

In a strongly worded press release, SDF spokesperson Shail Rai alleged that many of the trusts promoting these universities were hastily formed and questioned their credibility.

The SDF spokesperson said the failure to comply with UGC norms raises “serious doubts about their transparency and functioning” and demanded an independent state-led review to examine the legal validity, financial integrity, and academic quality of all newly approved private universities. The party also called for the SKM government to issue a detailed public statement and take full responsibility, arguing that these institutions were a “brainchild” of the current regime.

Similarly, the Citizen Action Party – Sikkim (CAP) also condemned the revelations, calling the situation “a disturbing lack of transparency and accountability in Sikkim’s higher education sector.”

CAP Sikkim vice president Kaushal Lohagan said that for a small State like Sikkim, where education has long been a cornerstone of progress, the fact that five universities have been flagged is “unacceptable and damaging to the state’s reputation.”

The CAP Sikkim demanded immediate government intervention to enforce UGC compliance, strict accountability mechanisms to prevent future lapses, and a transparent review of all private universities to protect students’ interests.