Gauhati University suspends Kandarpa Das, prime accused in IDOL scam

Oct. 5: Gauhati University on Tuesday suspended Kandarpa Das for his alleged involvement in the Institute of Distance and Opening Learning (IDOL) scam. He was previously the director of the Institute of Distance and Open Learning. On Tuesday, the Executive Council of Gauhati University sat for ameeting in which they decided to suspend Kandarpa Das.

IDOl received recognition for 8 courses from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), which were approved for three years from 2010-2011. a total of 23 courses were offered by the institute which were unapproved. This illegal admission of students jeopardised the career of 70,000 students who pursued these courses. According to the Comptroller and Auditor General, IDOL also collected an whopping amount of Rs.39.06 crore as fees from the students who sought admission in these ‘unrecognised’ courses.