Private varsity bill to be tabled in next session

7 institutions have applied so far, says Ravi

The Private universities Bill will be tabled during the next legislature session as contribution of private institutions to higher education cannot be overlooked, said Higher Education Minister C T Ravi here on Wednesday.

The government will fix social responsibility and control private universities so that there will not be scope for monopoly, Ravi told mediapersons. He said seven institutions have applied for setting up private universities in the State.

“The government has demanded 50 per cent reservation, while the applicants have agreed to reserve 25 per cent of seats. The government will fix fees for 50 per cent of government seats. They will have to follow roster, merit and seat-sharing systems.

However, the private universities have not agreed to the demands. A meeting with experts will be conducted before taking a final decision,” he said.

The government has released Rs 300 crore to government colleges across the State for providing basic infrastructure including restrooms, additional classrooms and laboratories, he said.

Ravi said Women’s University, Bijapur, has been asked to strengthen its regional centres in order to affiliate women’s colleges.

There were administrative problems in the present system, and if compelled, women’s colleges may go in for co-education.

Ravi said he was visiting all the universities in the State to understand challenges faced by them and the changes required in administration and education.