Thiruvananthapuram: The Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in Kerala has decided to allow private, deemed universities to function in the state. However, several hurdles remain to be cleared for the plan to turn into reality, said experts.
“Cooperation between several government departments is essential for such universities to operate in Kerala. In the state, there are different universities which are controlled by separate departments depending on the subjects they deal with. As a result, departments of Higher Education, Health, Fisheries, Agriculture, Veterinary and Law oversee the respective universities,” the experts said.
Consequently, when new universities come up, the procedures regarding them would have to be handled by departments dealing with the subjects the university teaches.
“Against this background, the Higher Education Department alone cannot take decisions on the new universities,” pointed out the experts. When the state government enacts legislation regarding the private, deemed universities, it would have to consult all the departments concerned.
Foreign universities
At the same time, the Kerala Government is yet to make its stand clear on campuses of foreign universities even though the Central government has approved the move. Deemed universities function based on rules of the University Grants Commission (UGC). But, the state government can frame guidelines for them.
Earlier, when a few arts and science colleges and engineering colleges received self-governing status, the state had introduced legislation regarding them. A similar law will be enforced when private, deemed institutions are opened in Kerala.