Pune: MUHS Cancels Affiliation Of Sinhgad Dental College
Pune: MUHS Cancels Affiliation Of Sinhgad Dental College
Pune, February 06, 2026: The Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS), Nashik, has withdrawn the affiliation of Sinhgad Dental College and Hospital after uncovering serious regulatory violations and persistent lapses in academic and administrative standards. With this decision, the college—established nearly three decades ago—will cease operations, becoming the only dental institution in Pune to face de-affiliation.
The action follows long-standing complaints from 78 faculty members who repeatedly approached MUHS over delayed and unpaid salaries. Taking note of these grievances, the university initiated inquiries and ultimately decided to terminate the college’s affiliation.
The de-affiliation will come into effect from the academic year 2026–27. As a result, Sinhgad Dental College will not be permitted to admit students to undergraduate or postgraduate dental programmes. MUHS has assured that all currently enrolled students will be permanently transferred to other affiliated private dental colleges across Maharashtra to avoid disruption to their education. The university will directly supervise the migration process.
The decision to cancel affiliation for both UG and PG courses was taken at a MUHS Management Council meeting held on January 23, after the college was found in violation of provisions of the University Act and non-compliant with mandatory academic norms.
MUHS has also directed the management of Sinhgad Dental College to immediately clear all outstanding salaries of teaching and non-teaching staff and submit a compliance report. Only after settling these dues will the institution be allowed to apply afresh for affiliation, which will then be reviewed by the university.
Investigations revealed serious irregularities in salary payments. Between August and November 2018, salaries were reportedly credited but later withdrawn through cheques, with assurances of repayment that were never fulfilled. From December 2019 to May 2022, staff received only basic pay, while since May 2024, salaries have allegedly not been paid at all, according to complaints submitted to MUHS.
The prolonged non-payment triggered widespread protests by faculty, non-teaching staff, and students. Employees launched work-to-rule agitations, leading to the closure of outpatient departments, disruption of teaching activities, and suspension of clinical training for students. Multiple representations to MUHS eventually resulted in formal hearings and the final de-affiliation order.
Financial distress across the Sinhgad group has also drawn attention from authorities. In addition, the Pune Municipal Corporation sealed several Sinhgad institute offices over unpaid property taxes.
According to official records, the institute has defaulted on property tax payments for 128 properties across Pune, with outstanding dues amounting to ₹345.43 crore. Offices in Vadgaon Budruk and Erandwane were sealed due to arrears running into tens of crores, and legal disputes with the civic body are ongoing.
With salary arrears, institutional shutdowns, student unrest, and mounting financial liabilities, concerns are now being raised about the future of other educational institutions run by the Sinhgad group. Collectively, these developments indicate severe financial strain, fuelling speculation that the group may be facing the risk of bankruptcy.
