Permission for private universities, regulation to come soon

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Government has decided to allow private universities in the state. State Higher Education Reforms Implementation Cell has been tasked with submitting instructions and procedures for this. A bill to start private universities will be introduced in the next legislative session. It has also been decided to make 20 government colleges into constituent colleges on the model of Delhi University. This was after accepting the recommendation of the Higher Education Reforms Commission. There are 430 private universities in 27 states except Kerala and more than 20 lakh students.

As per UGC guidelines, institutions which have been functioning for 20 years and have NAQ grades above 3.26 can apply for private university status. They should have 20 acres of land in cities or 30 acres in villages. Autonomous colleges, corporate managements, trusts and societies can also apply. 20 crore fixed investment and 30 crore working fund should be there. Varsities can also be exclusively for engineering, medical, law and management studies. Provision will be made in the state law to ensure reservation, merit and social justice. At least 35% of the seats, including advanced courses, should be admitted on the basis of merit and the fees fixed by the government, reservation should be maintained in admissions including OBC and scheduled category, and scholarships should be given to the meritorious. The government has no control over admission and fees in other states. The government will be represented in the governing bodies and in the courts where grievances are to be redressed. In case of illegal activity, the permission will be revoked. The move is to start private universities next year itself. Reputed educational groups of the country have expressed interest in starting varsities in Kerala.

Campus anywhere after 5 years

• Off-campus and student centres can be started anywhere in the state after 5 years. The teacher-student ratio should not be less than 1:20.
• All study, research and examination responsibilities will belong to the University. Syllabus can be made and degrees can be given. Abroad campuses can also be made with central approval.
• The university has full independence in academic, administrative, personal, financial, development etc.
• Admission, Syllabus, Teaching, Conduct of Examination and Evaluation should be followed by the UGC Directive. There should be a Board of Studies and Academic Council

Positives

1. There will be excellent learning facilities and state-of-the-art courses
2. The flow of studies to other states and countries will decrease
3. More health and technical experts can be created
4. As the courses are industry related, job opportunities are more

Private Universities

Gujarat---------------60

Rajasthan-------------52

Madhya Prades-------41

Uttar Pradesh---------32

Haryana---------------25

Karnataka-------------25

Maharashtra----------22

Uttarakhand-----------21

Tamilnadu-------------04

Constituent Colleges

Colleges with teaching and research facilities that are similar to universities. The aim is to make institutions with high research capacity. These should have a governing committee with statutory powers. Senior teachers, professionals, industrialists and public servants should be members. The chairman should be an eminent industrialist and the the college principal should be a member secretary.