Gangtok, 27th September: The Citizen Action Party – Sikkim (CAP) has raised alarm after the University Grants Commission (UGC) issued a public notice on 24 September 2025, naming four private universities from Sikkim among the defaulting institutions. The universities cited in the notice are Medhavi Skills University, Singtam, Sikkim Alpine University (formerly EIILM), South Sikkim, Sikkim Global Technical University, Namchi, and Sikkim Skill University, Namthang.
In its press statement on Saturday, CAP alleged that the inclusion of these universities in the defaulters’ list exposes “a disturbing lack of transparency and accountability in Sikkim’s higher education sector.” According to the UGC, despite repeated directives and reminders, the institutions failed to upload the mandatory public self-disclosure information, which is meant to be “easily accessible to students, parents, and stakeholders to make informed decisions.”
The party alleged that such negligence is unacceptable for a small state like Sikkim, where education has long been regarded as the foundation of progress and empowerment. The statement added, “It not only tarnishes the image of Sikkim as an educational hub but also raises questions about the state government’s regulatory oversight.” CAP further argued that the failure of these universities to comply with the UGC guidelines undermines the credibility of higher education in the state and leaves students and parents in uncertainty.
Calling for urgent corrective measures, CAP urged the Government of Sikkim to step in immediately and ensure that all defaulting universities meet UGC requirements without delay. The party also demanded that stronger accountability mechanisms and a transparent review of private universities are needed to safeguard the interests of students whose careers may be affected by such lapses.
Vice President (IC) of the CAP Students Council, Kaushal Lohagan, stressed the party’s concerns, saying, “Our youth deserve institutions that stand on the pillars of credibility, transparency, and quality education. Instead, what we see today is a system where private universities operate without proper accountability, leaving students and parents in uncertainty.”
The press release concluded with a call to action: “Education is not just a sector, it is the future of Sikkim. We urge the state government to treat this issue with the seriousness it demands and take decisive corrective action. Only through integrity and accountability in education can we ensure a brighter tomorrow for our young generation.”
