The Tri-Valley University scam, which has resulted in uncertainty for over 1000 students — most of them Indians — has put a serious question mark on the credibility and accreditation of some universities in the U.S., the U.K., Australia and Canada. The shame of putting up with ankle monitors will add to the trauma of the students. It is reminiscent of the pre-Civil War era in the U.S. What is more disconcerting is justification of radio-tagging as a standard procedure. The U.S. government has a responsibility of ensuring the admission of these students to other universities as a huge amount has been spent by their families. Deportation must be the last and inevitable resort.
K.V. Raghuram,
Wayanad
The U.S.' justification of the use of ankle monitors on Indian students of Tri-Valley, shut down by the authorities on charges of a massive immigration fraud, is unacceptable. What a shameful way to treat human beings!
Virendra Kumar Singh,
New Delhi
The radio-tagging of the Indian students has attracted a lot of attention and condemnation. On the surface, it sounds bad. But let us examine the facts that led to such a move. Some students applied and joined Tri-Valley University which has no standing and recognition. The reasons for joining such universities are easy admission; low fees; poor curriculum; and an easy way of obtaining a U.S. visa. Many students join them to gain entry into the U.S. and stay there as long as possible. When such universities disappear, students are left with nowhere to go. In most cases, they simply disappear into the system. Hence, the ankle monitors.
M.N. Viswanathan,
Coimbatore
The episode brings to focus the urgent need to rein in and regulate the entry of foreign universities in India, especially because the Foreign Education Providers Bill that seeks to allow foreign institutions to set shop here is pending in Parliament. Many ‘sham' varsities thrive on advertisement campaigns. Local agents offer even medical and engineering education through correspondence. In order to protect the gullible student community and overanxious parents, the government should come out with a list of fake overseas institutions.
The thinking that all that comes with a foreign tag is the best is prejudiced. The foreign education scene, more than ever before, is fraught with danger.
A.V. Narayanan,
Tiruchi
