NEW DELHI: The Association of Indian Universities (AIU) is under scrutiny following allegations of financial and administrative irregularities, and now faces a significant controversy involving the certification of sportspersons. AIU President Vinay Kumar Pathak has claimed that capable university athletes have been denied recognition and opportunities for years due to systemic manipulation within the organization.
Pathak initiated disciplinary action after issues arose regarding India’s participation in the 2025 Fédération Internationale du Sport Universitaire (FISU) World University Games in Germany. He accused entrenched interests of resisting reform efforts, stating, “This action has shaken up corrupt practices. There is a need for further investigation into the certification scam which has deprived meritorious sportspersons from Indian universities for long,” as reported to The Times of India.
The immediate catalyst for these actions was the disciplinary proceedings initiated against suspended AIU Joint Secretary Baljit Singh Sekhon. A memorandum dated April 13 indicated that several selected athletes, including six badminton players and other athletics participants, were not included in official entry lists within required timelines. This negligence resulted in the denial of accreditation and the exclusion of these athletes from competition after they had traveled to the venue.
The memorandum described this oversight as a reflection of “gross negligence, lack of due diligence, and failure to discharge assigned responsibilities.” An inquiry committee later concluded that Sekhon bore responsibility for significant aspects of the reported mismanagement related to the FISU World University Games, citing various forms of negligence and lapses in judgment.
The inquiry also expanded beyond procedural issues at the Games. The committee recommended vigilance investigation into “suspicious financial credit transactions” and frequent foreign travel by officials over the past two years. Pathak stated that the investigation revealed deeper institutional irregularities.
In a communication to the Haryana Additional Chief Secretary, regarding a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that alleged violations of bye-laws and questioned his continued presidency, Pathak asserted that he initiated a clean-up drive upon taking office and formed high-level committees to investigate “deep-rooted institutional irregularities.” This led to disciplinary actions based on committee findings, including the termination of Gaurav Rai, repatriation of Binu George Varghese, and the suspension of Sekhon pending inquiry.
Pathak claimed the PIL was an effort to impede the ongoing disciplinary actions. He emphasized that the education ministry’s status quo order applied not only to the presidency but also to the General Council and other AIU bodies during the restructuring phase, yet it seemingly targeted only his position.
The inquiry panel also suggested enhancements to youth affairs and sports governance, recommending structured collaboration with the sports ministry and the Sports Authority of India, as well as the promotion of inter-university leagues and international participation programs. Pathak warned that a thorough probe into certifications and selections over the years could uncover many shocking revelations.
