Kerala was far ahead of other states in terms of education and literacy for many years. But many private universities that came later in other states have grown in a way that educational institutions in Kerala has lagged behind. After Plus 2, students with excellent grades taking arts and science subjects prefer to study in various colleges under Delhi University and reputed private varsities in other states. It has become a trend for children to leave Kerala for higher studies after completing basic education. This happens because the opportunities for good education are not available here.

Kerala's money also flows there when children go to study in other states. This is bad for Kerala in the long term. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the authorities to find ways to prevent the outflow of children.

Realizing this, the government has decided to allow private universities in the state. The higher education reforms implementation cell in Kerala has been tasked with submitting the instructions and procedures for this. A bill to start private universities is expected to be introduced in the next assembly session. It is commendable that 20 government colleges have been decided to become constituent colleges on the model of Delhi University. There are 430 private universities in 27 states except Kerala with more than 20 lakh students.

It can be expected that private individuals, organizations, trusts, etc. who are already running educational institutions in Kerala will come forward to start new universities. As per UGC guidelines, institutions which have been functioning for 20 years and have NAAC grade above 3.26 can apply for private varsity. The land requirement is twenty acres in cities and thirty acres in villages. Apart from this, 20 crores of fixed investment and 30 crores of working fund are required. Varsities can also be exclusively for engineering, medical, law, management studies etc. Provisions should be made to ensure reservation, merit and social justice for admission in this university in an impeccable manner. A situation where students and their parents have to go to court later should be avoided. Kerala is a state where there is no dearth of teachers. So every private varsity starting here can become centres of excellence. When that happens, it can be expected that children from other states and even abroad will come to study here.