The Kerala Legislative Assembly on Tuesday approved the controversial Private Universities Bill, clearing the way for private universities to set up shop in the state. The Bill, which was examined by the Subject Committee, witnessed heated debates, with the opposition raising serious issues regarding its effect on the state’s higher education system. In spite of strong protests, the Bill was approved by voice vote and will now have to be approved by the Governor before it can become a law.
Government’s Position on the Bill
State Higher Education Minister R Bindu came to the defense of the Bill, stating that it was a major leap for Kerala’s education system. She reiterated that private universities would be subject to strict regulation to maintain quality education and avoid commercialization. The Minister said that the Bill would invite investment in the higher education sector and give students greater opportunities to study various academic programs within the state.
Bindu also promised that the government would have strict regulation to ensure private universities did not lower academic standards. “The new law will guarantee that private universities operate with utmost transparency and accountability. The state government will have regulatory instruments to monitor their functioning,” she added.
Opposition Raises Concerns
Opposition parties, though not opposing the Bill in its entirety, had some reservations about the possible effects of having private universities in Kerala. The major concerns expressed were the effect on public universities, the likelihood of high fees, and the possibility of education being out of reach for economically weaker sections of students.
Opposition Leader VD Satheesan has voiced concern over how private universities would impact government-funded universities. “We do not oppose the Bill in principle, but we need to study carefully how it will work out for public universities. The government must see that opportunities are available for existing corporate education agencies that have been very important in Kerala’s educational landscape to set up private universities. While doing that, public universities must not be ignored,” he said.
Issues Regarding Student Migration
Concerned Congress senior leader Ramesh Chennithala placed emphasis on student migration, inquiring if the Bill would aid in stemming the growing trend of students leaving Kerala to pursue higher education. “One of the largest problems that Kerala is confronting is student migration. Students from here are moving out for higher studies because they don’t get adequate institutions and courses here. Will this Bill assist in stopping that? The government must carry out a thorough study prior to applying it,” he said.
Chennithala also faulted the conditions prescribed for the setup of a private university in Kerala, such as the requirement for a minimum 10-acre holding and an investment of Rs 25 crore at the outset. “Though these are stringent norms, we should test whether they are feasible. Rather than simply turning existing private colleges into universities, the state may invite some top international universities to set up their campuses here,” he advised.
Fears of Commercialization of Education
The strongest criticism of the Bill was from Revolutionary Marxist Party (RMP) MLA K.K. Rema, who demanded that it be withdrawn in its entirety. She claimed that the Bill would pave the way for the commercialization of education and turn higher education into a luxury item for the rich. “This Bill will provide a scenario in which only those students from richer backgrounds can pay for university education.”. The same Left government that previously resisted self-financing institutions is now pushing for private universities. This is a clear privatization move, which will eventually undermine public education,” Rema said.
Rema also noted that Kerala boasts a robust chain of government and aided colleges that offer quality education at reasonable prices. She cautioned that opening up private universities without adequate protection could compromise the accessibility and affordability of higher education in the state.
Government’s Reassurances and Final Passage
In spite of the opposition, the government remained firm on its position, reaffirming that private universities would be closely monitored and regulated. Minister Bindu promised that private universities would not be permitted to operate without maintaining high academic standards and transparency.
After heated discussions, Speaker A.N. Shamseer moved the Bill to a voice vote, which was passed by the Assembly. With the legislative barrier overcome, the Bill now waits for the Governor’s sanction before it becomes law.
Future Implications
With the enactment of the Private Universities Bill, Kerala will see a huge change in the pattern of higher education in the state. The step is likely to bring private investment in education and increase the options available to students in the state. But how the Bill is implemented and whether or not it will take care of issues relating to accessibility, affordability, and quality of education remain to be seen.
The next few months will be decisive as stakeholders such as policymakers, educators, and students watch closely the impact of the new law. Whether the Bill will consolidate Kerala’s higher education system or result in further inequalities in access to quality education will finally depend on how well the government implements its regulatory regime. source ANINEWS
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