Seeking to give relief to lakhs of aspiring business managers, the Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Commission (MRTPC) has initiated a probe into enticing claims made by Arindam Chaudhuri-controlled Indian Institute of Planning and Management ((IIPM).
Taking suo-moto cognisance of IIPM ad campaigns that promise free laptops and tours abroad for its students, MRTPC last week directed its investigative arm DGIR to look into the promises made by the institute.
"Every year, 100% of IIPM students are taken free of cost... To Europe, USA and across the globe to get first hand experience of how the best in the world work... As a compulsory part of IIPM programme," claimed the institute in newspaper advertisements.
IIPM also said it provides free laptops to its students "for a globalised learning environment".
According to the sources, the anti-monopoly watchdog, which has in the past received complaints against the institute, suspects that the costs of such tours, laptops, etc. are recovered from the students later.
If during the probe, DGIR finds that the ads are misleading the public, then it would file a case of unfair trade practices before the Commission.
MRTPC has asked DGIR to investigate the matter under section 36 A of the MRTP Act 1969, which says the Commission may initiate an enquiry upon its knowledge or by getting information in the form of complaints.
DGIR, which may issue notices to IIPM for enquiry, has to submit the investigation report to the Commission within 90 days. However, this could be extended, the sources added.
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