INDIA: Ministry may allow private universities

The Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) may allow private players to set up universities instead of going the 'deemed to be university' route, writes Urmi A Goswami for The Economic Times. The ministry will also push for firm regulations which would demand transparency and accountability of players in the education sector.

"There is no reason why private players should not be allowed to set up universities. But there has to be some check at the threshold to allow only serious players to set up these universities. There has to be a regulatory procedure independent of the government," sources close to the HRD minister said.

Amendment of the University Grants Commission (UGC) Act of 1956 is being considered. At present, universities can only be established under a central or a state Act. The third option is the 'deemed to be university' route, under the UGC Act, which enables existing institutions to offer degrees. Given the notoriety that 'the deemed to be university' route has attracted, a provision is being considered that would allow private players to set up universities instead of upgrading institutions. Recently, HRD minister Kapil Sibal ordered a freeze on granting 'deemed to be university' status and called for a review of existing deemed universities.
Full report on The Economic Times site