Marks-for-money scam: PhD scholars under scanner

This development comes a day after the premier higher education institutions’ former Controller of Examination and professor GV Uma, the prime accused and P Vijayakumar, the second suspect in the list and dean of University College of Engineering, Villupuram district, were suspended from their posts. Sources from the University said that on Saturday, a few PhD scholars were questioned by the probe committee. 

However, sources added that the number of PhD students involved in the scam and the money transactions would be known only after the committee submits its report to the Vice Chancellor.

As action has already been initiated against Uma and Vijayakumar, the committee is likely to suspend a few more professors allegedly involved in the offence.

Referring to the committee’s investigation progress, a senior staff member from Anna University said, “a student paid money for 18 subjects to improve marks during revaluation”. He said most of the students, who were studying in Anna University affiliated colleges, paid money for more than one subject to get the job done. “About 16,300 students should have benefited through the revaluation,” he added. The university staff member also said the marks-for-cash began from 2013 itself, during the time when M Rajaram was Vice Chancellor.

According to him, Vice Chancellor Surappa is very upset over the latest development and is determined to take stringent action against those involved in the scam based on the committee report.

He said that the vice chancellor is also planning to recommend changes in the exam revaluation pattern so that students do not indulge in pay-for-marks scam.