New Delhi: The government on Thursday issued show-cause notices to two institutions in Tamil Nadu after media reports said their officials were seeking Rs.20-40 lakh for admission. The government also put in abeyance all proposals from private institutions seeking the status of "deemed-to-be" universities.

The human resource development (HRD) ministry issued show-cause notices to the Ramachandra University and Shree Balaji Medical College of Tamil Nadu, whose officials were caught on camera by the Times Now television channel asking for 'capitation fees' of Rs.2-4 million in violation of laws.

The Shree Balaji Medical College, according to the media reports, is linked with Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting S. Jagathrakshakan of the DMK.

The ministry said in a statement that the private institutions have been asked why their "deemed-to-be" university status should not be withdrawn and other legal action not taken.

In a decision with far-reaching implications, Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal issued a directive to the University Grants Commission (UGC), which oversees higher education in the country, to put in abeyance all proposals from private institutions seeking the status of "deemed-to-be" universities.

The move comes after complaints for long from various quarters that such universities violated norms and managed to get the UGC recommendation by using their political connections, affecting quality of education.

Sibal also directed the UGC to review the performance of all the 125 existing deemed universities and "report the deficiencies within three months".

The UGC has been asked to examine if the universities stood up to the standards "especially with regard to the availability of qualified faculty and the infrastructure in the deemed-to-be-universities."

It has also been asked to check if "the sanctity of the admission process for enrolment of students" was maintained.

To get a deemed university status, a private institution must follow the UGC guidelines for government universities. IANS