Education officials asked to give feasibility report
Hyderabad: The Andhra Pradesh government will most likely table the Private University Bill in this Session of the Assembly. Education department officials have hurriedly sought reports from the Andhra Pradesh Council of Higher Education (APSCHE) on the feasibility of private universities in the state. Sources said that among others, AP municipal administration minister P. Narayana is also interested in setting up a private university to add to his education conglomerate.
Governments in the erstwhile state had also considered enacting legislations to allow for setting up of private universities. Committees were also formed earlier, but no action was taken by the governments.However, with the Assembly in Session, the government is working overnight to introduce the Bill in this Session itself.
Remarks and reports on the scope of private universities in the state were sought from the APSCHE in a hurried manner. “Oral instructions were given about the urgency of the matter and only a day’s time was given to prepare the report. We don’t know why this sudden hurry over a matter that has been pending for years,” an APSCHE source said.
Unlike deemed universities, private universities can be set up by private societies after University Grants Commission (UGC) gives its approval and the procedure takes only about two years.
Senior education department officials, however, said anyone could set up a private university if approvals are granted. “Erstwhile governments have sat on the matter for years. So in that sense, it is not hurried,” an official said.
( Source : dc correspondent )
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