The Delhi government has cleared a draft Bill that could change how private higher education institutions operate in the national capital, with 25% of seats in every course proposed to be reserved for students from Delhi.The Delhi Private Universities Bill, approved by the Cabinet on Friday, seeks to create a legal framework for establishing and operating private universities in Delhi for the first time.For students, one of the biggest provisions is the proposed reservation. Sources said admissions against the 25% seats will be made according to the existing quota policy of the Delhi government. The provision is aimed at ensuring that students from the city get a share of the higher education opportunities created by private universities.The draft also proposes financial support for Delhi students through merit-cum-means scholarships.Under the proposal, 5% of Delhi students will get a full fee exemption, 10% will receive a 50% fee waiver and another 10% will get a 25% fee concession.Education Minister Ashish Sood said the government had “cleared the way” for private universities to be established in Delhi by approving the Bill.
What the Bill proposes for private universities
The draft legislation gives the Delhi government the power to establish private universities through a government notification. But institutions will have to comply with regulations prescribed by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and other statutory regulators.The proposed universities will follow a unitary model. This means they will operate through their own campuses and will not be permitted to affiliate colleges.Faculty and academic staff will also have to be appointed in accordance with UGC norms.The draft comes with a regulatory structure that gives the government a direct role in monitoring these institutions.The higher education minister is proposed to be the visitor of every private university. The visitor will have the power to seek information, order inspections and issue directions if a university is found violating the provisions of the law or applicable regulations.Administrative, academic and financial inquiries can also be initiated when required.
Govt representation in university management
The draft proposes government representation in the management of private universities as well.The board of management will include the secretary of the department of higher education or the Department of Training and Technical Education (DTTE), or an officer nominated by the government.The government representative will have to be present when decisions involving the government are taken.The proposed institutional structure will include positions such as chancellor, vice-chancellor, registrar, controller of finance and controller of examinations. Academic and administrative decisions will be handled through bodies including the academic council and board of management.
Regulators to oversee courses
The draft Bill also seeks to prevent institutions from operating without meeting the standards prescribed by the relevant regulators.Departments examining the proposal have recommended a regulatory framework covering institutions under bodies including the UGC, All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), National Medical Commission (NMC), Bar Council of India (BCI), National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE), Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) and Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).Any collaboration with foreign universities will also have to comply with UGC regulations.The intention is to ensure that private universities entering Delhi’s higher education space meet the requirements applicable to their respective courses and programmes.
What changes for existing private institutions
At present, private self-financing institutions in Delhi largely function as colleges affiliated with Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University.The proposed law would give eligible institutions a legal route to become universities instead of continuing only as affiliated colleges.Delhi also has institutions that operate under the deemed-to-be-university category. TERI School of Advanced Studies, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) and Jamia Hamdard are among the institutions mentioned under this category.According to the information available in the proposal, Delhi has 11 institutions that have been declared deemed to be universities by the UGC and 29 recognised universities and deemed universities.
