The unique achievements of Kerala in the fields of health and education are widely recognised. Kerala is a model for many states in the country. The sad truth is that Kerala often does not get the consideration and support it deserves. Although there are private universities all over the country, the Central government has not yet given approval to start them in Kerala. Although the bill passed by the Assembly in this regard has been sent to the President for consideration, the examination by the Centre and the UGC is taking a long time. The state government points out that the law was made according to the draft framework of the UGC and that permission was not given intentionally.

The Kerala law has reservations for the Scheduled categories, fee concessions and scholarships that are not available in other states. The subject committee of the Assembly had expressed concern over the validity of reserving 40 percent of the seats for students who are permanent residents of the state. The Supreme Court has ordered that domicile or residence-based reservations are unconstitutional for PG medical admissions. The parliamentary committee has recommended backward class reservation in admissions. The recommendation is for 27 percent OBC, 15 percent SC, and 7.5 percent ST. The Kerala bill has reservation for Scheduled Castes.

Markaz in Kozhikode, MES in Malappuram and Nehru Group in Thrissur have expressed interest in starting a private university with an investment of Rs 500 crore. Jain Group has expressed its willingness to invest Rs 350 crore in Kozhikode and Punjab's Lovely Professional University in Kochi. Similarly, the Adani Group, which has a university in Gujarat, and the diocese in Thrissur have expressed interest in starting a private university. Samastha is interested in Malappuram, and Hyderabad Mallareddy University has expressed interest in Thiruvananthapuram. The Malabar Group, which has medical colleges in Kozhikode and Palakkad, is also interested. There are a total of 517 private universities in the country. 44 private universities were started in different parts of the country last year. Unfortunately, Kerala's demand was not considered in this regard. We had published a report on the Centre's indifference to the issue of private universities, which will bring many positive changes to Kerala's education sector.

The state government had prepared the rules in the hope of getting the approval of the Centre. The plan is to start multidisciplinary universities with various branches of study, such as medical, engineering, law, pharmacy, and paramedical. Trusts, agencies and groups with a deposit of 25 crores in the treasury and ten acres of land can apply. Kerala's dream project will come true once the Centre's approval is received. Only by studying contemporary subjects can there be job opportunities, whether within or outside India. Kerala's demand on the AIIMS issue has not been accepted yet either. Although the Centre has granted AIIMS to many states, Kerala's wait is still ongoing. It is hoped that it will be granted in March next year. The flow of students to foreign universities can also be stopped if the Centre gives permission on the private university issue. It is hoped that the Central approval will not be delayed any further.