Delhi Cabinet clears private universities bill; to be tabled in assembly

With the aim of expanding access to higher education, the Delhi Cabinet on has approved a bill proposing legal framework for establishment and regulation of private universities. The Delhi Private Universities Bill will now be tabled in the ongoing monsoon session for discussion and approval.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, who chaired a special cabinet meeting on August 7, said thousands of talented students from the national capital are left with no option but to move to neighbouring states or foreign countries due to the limited availability of quality higher education institutions in the city.

"The Delhi government believes that quality education should never be constrained by outdated regulations or institutional limitations," Gupta asserted. The CM believes that students should have better access to excellent educational institutions (both government and private), provided they adhere to the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and academic excellence.

"Every student has a dream college. Now, our government's effort is to ensure that dream college is also in Delhi. In this direction, today the Delhi Cabinet has approved the draft bill related to the establishment and operation of private universities. It will soon be presented in the Legislative Assembly," Rekha Gupta posted on X.

The post further reads, "Under this bill: 25% seats will be reserved in every course for Delhi's students. Multi-story, high-tech, and future-ready campuses will be developed. To ensure quality, transparency, and accountability, the 'Delhi Private Universities Regulatory Authority' will be established."

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Private universities bill highlights

If passed, the private universities will be permitted to establish constituent colleges and off-campus centres in Delhi. However, they will not be allowed to affiliate with other colleges. According to the draft bill, private universities will have to comply with University Grants Commission (UGC) norms, maintain prescribed academic standards and ensure adequate infrastructure and qualified faculty.

"The proposed legislation seeks to address this need by encouraging private investment in higher education. It is aligned with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020 , and aims to position Delhi as a national and international education hub. The Bill will improve research, innovation, entrepreneurship and industry collaboration. It will also facilitate establishment of globally reputed institutions and foreign universities," the draft reads.

The bill also proposes fee concessions for students from Delhi on a case-by-case basis. Universities will be allowed to determine their fee structure, but the fee for an entire course will remain unchanged once a student is admitted.

The proposed legislation mandates fee concessions for Delhi students, with 25% of seats to be covered under a merit-cum-means scheme. These concessions will include 100%, 50% and 25% fee waivers.

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No financial liability on govt

The bill states that the proposed legislation will not impose any financial liability on the Delhi government. Every private university will be self-financing, and the government will not provide any grant or grant-in-aid.

"However, universities may participate in competitive research projects funded by the government or other agencies in accordance with the applicable rules," it adds.

Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood said, "This law is not just about private universities, it is about the future of Delhi's youth."

Delhi currently does not have a dedicated legal framework for the establishment and regulation of private universities. The draft legislation states that rising demand for quality higher education cannot be met by existing public universities alone.

(With PTI inputs)