Private varsities bill cleared in House

Updated on: Saturday, August 13, 2011

In a landmark development, the legislative council on Thursday approved the bill to permit private players or self-financing institutes to set up universities in the state. The Self Financed Universities’ Bill was approved amidst chaos following Opposition’s demand for a fresh discussion on the Mawal firing. On Wednesday, the bill was approved in similar circumstances in the legislative assembly.

However, even as both houses cleared the bill, private players or self-financing institutes keen on setting up universities in the state might just have to wait a little longer. At the state cabinet meeting convened immediately after the approval in the council, senior ministers opposed the bill in its current form. Taking objection to the fact that the bill does not mandate adherence to reservation, a number of ministers demanded an amendment to the bill before it comes into force.

Congress minister Varsha Gaikwad, who has opposed the bill’s draft in the past, questioned its constitutional validity. She said there already exists an Act that requires all establishments to honour reservations of backward castes. Congress ministers Naseem Khan and Nitin Raut supported the argument.

The ministers insisted that an amendment mentioning representation for social castes be introduced.

Private varsities bill cleared in House

More Education news