The CMJ University Controversy:-  A Case of Regulatory Lapses in Higher Education

Higher education in India is governed by strict regulations, yet cases of non-compliance continue to surface. One such case is CMJ University, a private institution in Meghalaya, which was established under the CMJ University Act, 2009 in accordance with the UGC Act, 1956.

However, the university’s legitimacy was questioned when it began operations without the mandatory approval of the Governor of Meghalaya, who serves as the Visitor of the university. Despite this critical lapse, CMJ University went ahead with admissions, degree grants, and academic programs—raising serious legal concerns.

In 2013, an official investigation by the Meghalaya government uncovered large-scale irregularities, including the issuance of thousands of degrees without proper authorization. This led to the closure of the university, legal disputes, and student grievances over invalid degrees.

This case underscores key challenges in India’s higher education system:

 📌 The importance of regulatory compliance in private universities

 📌 The complexities of state vs. central authority in higher education governance

 📌 The urgent need for stronger monitoring mechanisms to prevent such incidents

As India continues to expand its education sector, ensuring transparency and regulatory adherence must remain a top priority to protect students’ futures.