The Kerala State Private Universities (Establishment and Regulation) Bill, 2025 and Kerala University Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025, were referred to the Subject Committee by the Assembly on Monday, following discussions that lasted nearly three hours.
The Opposition strongly criticised the tabling of the Bills, accusing the State government of attempting to undermine the autonomy of universities and turning them into departments of the government.
Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan alleged that the University Amendment Bill aimed at weakening public institutions in favour of private universities. He contended that the Bill would limit the powers of Vice-Chancellors and grant excessive authority to the Higher Education Minister, who holds the statutory position of Pro-Chancellor, thereby allowing undue intervention in academic matters. “This is regressive and unprecedented, and reflects how universities should not be managed,” he remarked.
Mr. Satheesan also described the Kerala State Private Universities (Establishment and Regulation) Bill, 2025, as highly opaque and called for it to be referred to the Select Committee for more comprehensive discussions. He clarified that while the Opposition does not inherently oppose private universities, the Bill fails to address the critical challenges facing Kerala’s higher education sector.
Bindu hits back
Responding to objections raised by the the Opposition, Higher Education Minister R. Bindu firmly rejected the false propaganda being spread about the Bills.
Dr. Bindu explained that the University Amendment Bill was intended to address outdated provisions in the current University Acts and Rules, which were seen as obstacles to implementing much-needed reforms in the higher education sector.
She also clarified a provision in the Bill that allows college teachers to serve as presidents of local self-government bodies while on unpaid leave. This had been misinterpreted by some as a personal benefit to her. As a former college teacher who voluntarily retired in 2021, Dr. Bindu emphasised that the provision was not retrospective and did not apply to her. She stressed that the provision aimed at promoting democratic decentralisation by tapping into the intellectual expertise of college teachers to benefit local governance.
40% reservations
The Minister also defended the proposed 40% reservation for permanent residents of Kerala in private universities, asserting that the policy was designed to promote higher education within the State, curb the outflow of students abroad, and ensure equal opportunity for all.
Dr. Bindu also claimed that the Kerala State Private Universities (Establishment and Regulation) Bill, 2025 will set a new benchmark as it guarantees reservations, fee exemptions for SC and ST students, scholarships, students’ rights, a grievance redressal mechanism, and provisions for government intervention.
Published – March 03, 2025 08:51 pm IST