State Orders Inquiry into Sydenham College Over Private Courses Run on Campus
The Maharashtra state government has ordered an inquiry into Sydenham College in Mumbai following allegations that the government-run institution outsourced courses to private entities, allowing high-fee programmes to operate from its campus while aided courses were reduced.
A three-member inquiry committee has been set up under the chairmanship of Mumbai University Pro-Vice-Chancellor Ajay Bhamare to investigate the matter. The panel has been instructed to submit its findings within a week to determine subsequent action.
According to higher education director Shailendra Deolankar, the committee was constituted after a complaint detailed irregularities in the college's academic operations. The complaint alleged that two self-financed programmes—BSc in Financial Technology (FinTech) and BSc in Luxury Brand and Retail Management—were being conducted through private entities using government-funded infrastructure. Together, the two courses potentially generate approximately Rs 11 crore annually.
The complaint specifically named Sydenham College in-charge principal Shrinivas Dhure and alleged that tie-ups were established with a private firm named PD Learning Curve. It further stated that the owner of PD Learning Curve established two additional entities, Keyman Capital Pvt Ltd and ISFE Education Services LLP, through which memorandums of understanding were signed with Dhure to introduce the high-fee offerings.
State officials noted that aided academic programmes were allegedly cut back to accommodate these self-financed private programmes on the college premises. Further steps will be decided based on the inquiry committee's report once it is submitted to the higher education department.
