The National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) has called for investigations 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), escalating the controversy surrounding planning education in the country.

The student organisation has also demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, alleging that continued regulatory uncertainty has placed the academic and professional future of planning students at risk.

Questions Raised Over ITPI’s Legal Authority

The controversy intensified after questions emerged over the legal status of ITPI’s recognition of planning institutions and academic programmes.

ITPI is a registered non-profit professional organisation and is widely recognised within the town planning community. However, it is not a statutory regulatory body created through an Act of Parliament.

Experts have argued that unlike the Council of Architecture, which derives its powers from legislation, ITPI does not possess statutory authority to accredit, affiliate or formally recognise educational institutions.

The issue has drawn attention because several planning colleges advertise themselves as being “recognised” by ITPI, potentially creating confusion among students, parents and employers regarding the legal standing of those programmes.

NSUI Calls for Multi-Agency Investigation

NSUI National President Vinod Jakhad said the legal basis of ITPI’s recognition practices requires a comprehensive investigation.

According to the student body, uncertainty over the recognition framework should not jeopardise the careers of students pursuing Bachelor of Planning (B.Plan) and Master of Planning (M.Plan) programmes.

Key Demands Made by NSUI

The organisation has placed four major demands before the government:

• A CBI and SFIO investigation into ITPI’s recognition process, administrative functioning and financial affairs.
• A detailed clarification from the Ministry of Education on the legal framework governing recognition of planning institutions.
• Protection of the academic and professional interests of B.Plan and M.Plan students.
• Establishment of a transparent statutory regulatory authority for planning education in India.

Call for Greater Transparency

NSUI argued that the absence of a clear statutory framework has created uncertainty for students enrolling in planning programmes across the country.

The organisation said the government should establish a legally empowered regulator to ensure transparency, accountability and uniform standards in planning education.

Warning of Nationwide Protest

The student body warned that it would launch a nationwide agitation if its demands are not addressed.

NSUI also called on Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to resign, alleging moral responsibility for recurring controversies in the education sector.

The controversy has renewed focus on the regulatory structure governing planning education in India and the need for greater clarity regarding institutional recognition and professional accreditation.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why is ITPI at the centre of a controversy?

The controversy stems from questions over whether the Institute of Town Planners, India (ITPI) has the statutory authority to recognise or accredit planning institutions and academic programmes.

2. What has NSUI demanded in the ITPI recognition row?

NSUI has sought CBI and SFIO investigations into ITPI’s recognition process, administrative functioning and financial affairs, while also demanding a statutory regulator for planning education.

3. Why is NSUI seeking Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation?

The student organisation alleges that continued regulatory ambiguity in planning education has endangered students’ careers and has held the Education Minister morally responsible.

4. Does ITPI have statutory powers to accredit colleges?

According to concerns raised by experts, ITPI is a registered professional organisation and not a statutory regulator established by Parliament, unlike bodies such as the Council of Architecture.

5. Which students could be affected by the controversy?

The issue primarily concerns students pursuing Bachelor of Planning (B.Plan) and Master of Planning (M.Plan) courses whose institutions claim recognition from ITPI.

6. What reforms has NSUI proposed?

NSUI has called for a transparent statutory regulatory framework to oversee planning education, ensure legal clarity on institutional recognition and safeguard students’ academic and professional interests.