ITPI recognition row: NSUI demands CBI, SFIO probe, Pradhan's resignation

NSUI has sought CBI and SFIO probes into ITPI's recognition practices after questions were raised over its legal authority. The student body said regulatory uncertainty is endangering planning students and demanded a clear statutory framework.

In Short

• India Today report said ITPI is a non-statutory professional organisation
• Former professor PM Rawal questioned ITPI's authority to accredit institutions
• Several colleges claim ITPI recognition, risking confusion among students and employers

The National Students' Union of India (NSUI) on Wednesday demanded a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) into the recognition practices of the Institute of Town Planners, India (ITPI), following an India Today report that raised questions about the organisation's legal authority to recognise planning institutions and courses.

The student body also sought the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, alleging that regulatory ambiguity in planning education has put the future of thousands of students at risk.

The controversy gained attention after an India Today report highlighted that the Institute of Town Planners, India (ITPI), widely regarded as the country's leading professional body for town planners, is a registered non-profit professional organisation and not a statutory regulator created through an Act of Parliament.

Speaking to India Today earlier, former town planning professor PM Rawal of Pune said ITPI does not possess the legal authority to affiliate, accredit or recognise educational institutions, unlike the Council of Architecture, which derives its powers from statute.

The report also noted that several planning colleges describe themselves as being "recognised" by ITPI, raising concerns that such claims could create confusion among students, parents and employers regarding the legal status of these programmes.

NSUI'S DEMANDS

NSUI National President Vinod Jakhad said the legal basis of ITPI's recognition process must be thoroughly investigated. He argued that uncertainty surrounding the recognition framework should not jeopardise the careers of planning students.

The organisation demanded:

A CBI and SFIO investigation into ITPI's recognition process, administrative functioning and financial affairs.

A clear explanation from the Ministry of Education regarding the legal framework governing recognition of planning institutions.

Protection of the academic and professional interests of B.Plan and M.Plan students.

The establishment of a transparent statutory regulatory framework for planning education in India.

WARNING OF NATIONWIDE PROTEST

Jakhad warned that NSUI would launch a nationwide agitation if the government failed to act on the issue. He said the government must ensure greater transparency and accountability in planning education and urged Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to resign, alleging moral responsibility for recurring controversies in the education sector.

- Ends