20 world-class varsities

The Centre is working on a proposal to establish 20 world-class universities which will enjoy greater academic and financial autonomy with the University Grants Commission (UGC) having no control over their functioning.

The government will identify and “encourage self-selected group of passionate and committed individuals” and also corporate houses to set up 10 of the 20 proposed varsities of world-class standard, official sources told Deccan Herald.

Other 10 such universities are proposed to be set up by the government itself. The varsities proposed to be set up by the private entities will be established as deemed to be university. “As proposed, these universities will have complete academic and financial autonomy in their operation with no interference of the UGC in their functioning. Some enabling rules will be made to ensure their autonomy,” sources added.

The proposal is being given a final shape by the Human Resource Development (HRD) Ministry in consultation with the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

The ministry, which has prepared a concept note for establishment of these universities after one round of discussion with the PMO officials on November 21, is expected to give another presentation to the PMO next week.

According to sources, each of the 20 proposed universities will have at least 40 per cent foreign faculties. Those including Indians who have studied abroad and earned their degrees from reputed institutions will also be given preference in appointment of faculties.

Though these universities will primarily cater to the needs of the students in India, it has been proposed to fill up 15 to 25 per cent of seats with foreign students, sources said.

Each of the 20 universities will offer various degree programmes in minimum 20 disciplines, sources added. The proposal to set up world-class universities, involving individuals and corporate houses got the PMO’s approval last month.

As the ministry cited various hurdles, including current regulations of the UGC in implementation of the plan while making a presentation before the PMO, it was decide that the ministry will examine the “extant regulations” and make an action plan to provide adequate academic and financial autonomy to the proposed universities.
DH News Service