Higher Education Minister R. Bindu on Tuesday (February 11, 2025) defended the Cabinet approval for the Kerala State Private Universities (Establishment and Regulation) Draft Bill, 2025, by saying that it was a necessary move in accordance with changing times.
Dr. Bindu, speaking to mediapersons in Thiruvananthapuram, said that it was a decision which the State could no longer avoid and that it was necessary for the progress and improvement of higher education in Kerala.
She said that there was nothing to be concerned about as only 20% of the higher educational institutions in the State were government-run and the rest were all aided or unaided.
Dr. Bindu also said that there would be 40% reservation for students from the State in the private universities.
On being asked whether there was any opposition to the private universities Bill from CPI(M)‘s ally CPI, the Minister replied in negative. She said there was no objection from the CPI which only suggested some changes to the Bill. The suggestions were taken into consideration and then the draft Bill was approved, the Minister said.
A State Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had on Monday approved the Kerala State Private Universities (Establishment and Regulation) Draft Bill, 2025, under which only credible sponsoring agencies with experience in the education sector may apply to establish a private university in the State.
