Private universities aim to attract foreign students and curb study abroad exodus

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In an effort to curb the exodus of Malayalees seeking education abroad, Kerala has drafted a law to permit private universities with modern courses and world-class facilities. The bill will be introduced during a special legislative session in November. Under this law, credible agencies will be allowed to establish private universities adhering to strict criteria. These institutions will provide facilities comparable to those abroad without any financial burden on the government, including townships and residential and commercial complexes next to the universities.

The government estimates that between 35,000 and 40,000 Malayalees go abroad for education annually, though the actual number may be more than double. One agency alone sends 7,000 people abroad each year. Many students end up in substandard colleges with unrecognized courses. The aim is to offer similar world-class facilities in Kerala to encourage students to stay.

Through the 'Study in Kerala' campaign, the government also aims to attract foreign students. This year, 2,600 foreign students applied to Kerala University, 855 to MG University and 1,590 to CUSAT.

Private university status will be granted to corporate managements, trusts, and societies operating for at least twenty years, with a fixed investment of ₹20 crores and a working fund of ₹30 crores required. They must possess 20 acres of land in municipal areas, 30 acres in municipal towns and 40 acres in panchayats. If the campus is separate, the varsity headquarters should have 10 acres. Given Kerala's high land prices and difficulty finding such land in cities, the land area requirements may be relaxed. In comparison, Tamil Nadu requires 100 acres, while Karnataka requires 25 acres. After five years of operation, off-campus and study centers can be started anywhere in Kerala. Private universities will cover fields such as medicine, engineering, law and management.

Concerns and benefits

There are concerns in the higher education sector that public universities may face a crisis with the arrival of private universities, which may be inaccessible to economically and socially disadvantaged groups. The Federation of Varsity Employees (FUEO) fears that reservations and fee benefits may be denied.

Statistics

- 13 lakh students currently study in the state.

- 13.2 lakh Indians are studying abroad.

Benefits

- Excellent study facilities without government funding.

- Advanced courses with guaranteed employment.

- Collaboration with IITs and foreign universities.