Kerala Higher Education Minister defends Private University Bill

NEW DELHI: Kerala Higher Education Minister R Bindu on Monday defended the Left government’s decision to grant permission for the establishment of private universities in the state, stating that it is part of their vision to transform Kerala into an international hub of higher education.

She said the Pinarayi Vijayan government has prioritized strengthening public universities in the state over the past four years, aiming to elevate them to global standards.

A total of Rs 6,000 crore has been invested in the higher education sector during this period to achieve that goal by improving infrastructure and quality standards, she told the state Assembly.

Speaking while moving a motion for the consideration of the Kerala State Private Universities (Establishment and Regulation) Bill, 2025, she said the government envisions creating better opportunities in the higher education sector by allowing space for private sector participation.

Private sector participation to boost opportunities in higher education

Bindu stated that although the idea of permitting private universities was proposed in 2022, the government initially put it on hold to focus on strengthening public universities in the state. "We are presenting this Bill now with the confidence that public universities in the state have been transformed into empowered institutions.

Through this Bill, we aim to create a framework for leveraging private investment in our higher education sector as well," she explained. She reiterated that the initiative is part of the Left government’s vision to establish Kerala as an international higher education hub.

The minister said the government's plan is to set up private universities as multidisciplinary institutions. She also outlined the regulations that stakeholders must adhere to when establishing private universities in the state. Ten acres of land, a Rs 25 crore regulatory fund, and other essential infrastructure are mandatory requirements.

Citing an example, she explained that if a private engineering college is to be set up, it must comply with the guidelines set by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). Additionally, 40 per cent of seats in private universities should be reserved for permanent residents of the state.

All existing reservation norms must be strictly followed, and SC/ST students should receive government-mandated fee concessions and scholarships.

The State Higher Education Secretary and another secretary nominated by the state government would be part of the university’s governing bodies to ensure proper regulation. The state government would also have one nominee in the executive council and three nominees in the academic council of the private university.

Regulatory framework to ensure quality and proper governance

"The democratic rights of students, teachers, and staff will be protected, and grievance redressal systems will be in place," the minister assured. She added that the Bill grants the private sector the power and right to provide quality higher education while ensuring social justice. Rejecting criticism from opposition UDF members, Bindu questioned whether they had done anything to uphold the standards of public universities, colleges, and higher education institutions in the state during their tenure.

She also asked whether they had been able to conduct university examinations properly while in power. Further, she expressed regret over what she described as the “dark period” of the UDF regime, during which universities and colleges in the state faced gross neglect. The minister accused the UDF of attempting to "undermine" the public education sector while simultaneously welcoming the private sector with open arms, effectively rolling out a "red carpet" for them. Referring to the previous UDF government’s plan to bring foreign players into Kerala’s education sector, she alleged that they had attempted to turn the state into a “dumping ground for third-rate foreign universities.”

Bindu also dismissed allegations from UDF members that the Bill contains provisions that violate UGC regulations. She further stated that concerns regarding gender-related norms in the Bill have been addressed.

"The government is taking this step with great caution, ensuring strict adherence to social justice norms," the Higher Education Minister added. Speaker A N Shamseer announced that the Bill would be taken up for consideration on Tuesday.