HRD Minister Kapil Sibal today said a bill to facilitate foreign educational institutions operate in India is ready and would be taken to Cabinet any time.
“All the discussions over the Foreign Education Providers Bill is over. The bill is ready to go to the Cabinet any day,” Mr. Sibal said at the Emerging Directions in Global Education (EDGE) summit 2010 here.
The proposed legislation would regulate the entry of foreign education providers as per India’s priorities.
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Though 100 per cent Foreign Direct Investment through automatic route is permitted in the education sector since 2000, the present legal structure in India does not allow granting of degrees by foreign educational institutions here.
Mr. Sibal highlighted the need for global collaboration in education as the best solution to face the challenges of requirement of skilled manpower in 21st century.
“We need to create a structure and environment for that. We need to give freedom and autonomy to universities,” he said at the function attended by Martha Kanter, US Under Secretary in Department of Education.
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Ms. Kanter appreciated the reforms measures started by the government in higher education and said the US is looking forward to the introduction of the bills in Parliament.
The proposed Foreign Education Providers law would facilitate globally renowned institutes to participate in India’s higher education sector. It will bring in foreign education providers for vocational education training also.
Mr. Sibal said investment in education in India by foreign institutions would not only benefit Indian students but also help other countries get skilled workforce for their economy.
He also said that the government is in the process of formulating a bill for creation of an overarching body in higher education.
The consultations on the bill for creation of National Commission for Higher Education and Research (NCHER) is expected to be completed this month after which the bill could be introduced in Parliament, Mr. Sibal said.
Adviser to Prime Minister on Innovation, IT and Entrepreneurship Sam Pitroda said quality of education in 90 per cent of the universities is not up to mark. He emphasised on expansion, excellence and equity in education.