Special cabinet meeting convened in hurry; Private Universities Bill to be presented in ongoing assembly

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A special cabinet meeting was called yesterday, and the draft legislative bill to establish a private universities in the state was approved. Higher Education Minister Dr. R. Bindu announced that the bill will be introduced in this assembly session. The CPI's opposition was overcome through some maneuvers. Although it was discussed in the last two cabinet meetings, a decision could not be taken due to the dispute. If the bill is approved by the Governor, private universities operating in the country will be able to operate in Kerala as well, subject to the UGC guidelines.

The government will have authority in administrative matters. Government representatives, including the Secretary of the Department of Higher Education, will be on the governing body.

If the law is violated, it can be dismissed by giving a notice of six months. The government will have the power to summon administrative and financial information and records. Permission can be withdrawn if the conditions are not met. Government can order an investigation if the conditions are violated.

Visitor removed giving in to CPI

The CPI mainly expressed its opposition on issues such as reservation and transparency in visitor status. Minister P Rajeev reached a consensus in the discussions with CPI ministers. The government's stance was that the higher education minister would be the visitor in all universities. As a compromise, the visitor status would be removed in private universities. SC/ST reservation was included in the bill.

No control over fees

• The government will not have any control on fees and admissions. It will not be able to interfere in the appointment of teachers. There will be 15% reservation for SC and 5% for ST for each course and fee concession. 40% special reservation for those from Kerala.
• A corpus fund of Rs. 25 crore should be deposited in the treasury while applying for private universities. The headquarters building should be at least 10 acres if it is started as a multi-campus university.

Student Union

• Unlike other states, private universities in Kerala will have a student union and a student council. Elections have also been prescribed.
• The Pro-Vice-Chancellor will be the president of the university's student council. Three teachers and 10 students will be members of the student council. A two-tier committee will be formed to resolve student grievances.