Pune Engineering College Under Scrutiny

The Mukunddas Lohia College of Engineering in Pune has come under regulatory scrutiny after the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) issued notices. The college is facing allegations of unauthorised relocation, non-compliance with approval conditions, and irregularities in documents submitted to authorities.

The issue was raised by Yuva Sena State Joint Secretary Kalpesh Yadav at a press conference on Monday. Yadav alleged that the engineering college was shifted to the premises of Abasaheb Garware College on Karve Road without obtaining prior approvals from AICTE, SPPU, and Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological University (DBATU).

According to an AICTE document dated July 7, 2026, a complaint against MES Mukunddas Lohia College of Engineering was placed before the AICTE Standing Complaint Scrutiny Committee. The committee sought the institution's reply and supporting documents before further consideration.

Yadav also alleged that the engineering college was initially proposed in a separate newly constructed building, but the institution later decided to shift it to the Garware College premises. He claimed that permissions were not obtained before the relocation and were applied for only after objections were raised.

The AICTE Approval Process Handbook 2024-27 provides for penal action against institutions violating approval norms. The handbook states that institutions functioning from an unapproved location or failing to meet prescribed built-up requirements can face penal action.

Yadav warned that students and parents should take note of the situation and remain cautious, as the permission for the college could be cancelled at any time. He demanded immediate action to protect students and parents from possible academic and financial losses.

The Maharashtra Education Society's (MES) Mukunddas Lohia College of Engineering has been in operation for several years, offering various engineering courses to students. However, the current allegations and notices from AICTE and SPPU have put the college under scrutiny.

The situation highlights the importance of regulatory compliance and transparency in educational institutions. It also raises concerns about the potential impact on students and parents who may be affected by the college's alleged irregularities.

In recent years, there have been several instances of educational institutions in India facing regulatory action for non-compliance with approval norms. The AICTE and other regulatory bodies have been cracking down on institutions that violate norms, and the current situation with Mukunddas Lohia College of Engineering is a reminder of the importance of compliance.

The outcome of the current situation is uncertain, and it remains to be seen what action will be taken against the college. However, one thing is clear: the allegations and notices have put the college under scrutiny, and students and parents need to be aware of the situation.

The incident also raises questions about the role of regulatory bodies in ensuring compliance and transparency in educational institutions. The AICTE and SPPU have taken steps to address the allegations, but more needs to be done to prevent such incidents in the future.

In conclusion, the Mukunddas Lohia College of Engineering in Pune is facing allegations of unauthorised relocation, non-compliance with approval conditions, and irregularities in documents submitted to authorities. The AICTE and SPPU have issued notices, and the college is under regulatory scrutiny. The situation highlights the importance of compliance and transparency in educational institutions and raises concerns about the potential impact on students and parents.