Higher Education Minister R.V. Deshpande said private universities will not be allowed to “mushroom” in the State without the necessary infrastructure and faculty. He also maintained that only four of the 22 private varsities which were passed by the legislature to become universities have been notified so far.
Speaking during the launch of Reva University here on Wednesday, Mr. Deshpande, even while emphasising on the role private universities will play in achieving the 35 per cent gross enrollment ratio (GER) target for the State, said: “we definitely want more universities, but we do not want a mushrooming of universities. Those with world class infrastructure and good faculty are definitely welcome. There should be no compromise on merit and quality.”
Asked about the status of the remaining 16 universities which were given the private university tag, he said, “We don't chase anyone. They should approach us so that we can send the three-member committee comprising senior IAS officers to inspect them.”
Saying that the previous BJP government had passed the Private University Act, 2012 that specified the requirements to become eligible for private university status, he added that the committee has to give a report on whether there is sufficient infrastructure, proper faculty and human resource.
Reva University, which is managed by the Rukmini Educational Charitable Trust, joins the list of PES University, CMR University and MSR University of Applied Sciences, besides the older private universities - Azim Premji University and Alliance University.
Addressing P. Shyama Raju, Chancellor of Reva University, the Minister said: “Not one of your graduates should be jobless,” while adding that apart from keeping the industry requirement in mind while framing the curriculum, the new varsity must also offer “choice of discipline, quality education through good faculty and affordable education.”
