Britain to tighten system to eliminate bogus colleges

PUNE: The UK today said Britain will "tighten" its educational system to eliminate bogus colleges, many of which have duped Indian students.

"There is a significant abuse of the system and we are getting tough on bogus colleges that dash hopes of young Indians which is also bad for our reputation as educational destination", UK Minister for Universities and Science David Willetts told reporters here.

Willetts said it was estimated that about 12,000 Indian students were studying at university level in Britain and the problem of bogus colleges pertained to those imparting vocational training courses.

He, however, did not quantify the number of such institutions.

The UK universities want to set up study centres in India but the Indian law does not permit that, Willetts said, adding "We respect that (the law)".