Sahara forays into education sector

Lucknow, Aug 25: After venturing into finance, housing, aviation and healthcare, the over Rs 30,000 crore Sahara India Group today entered the education sector with the Uttar Pradesh government introducing a bill for a private university being promoted by the group.

UP government today tabled the 'Sahara University, Uttar Pradesh Bill 2006' in the state assembly through supplementary agenda. The bill was piloted by state higher education minister Ramasrey Vishwakarma in presence of Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav.

The bill is likley to be passed on August 31.

According to the bill, Sahara Arts and Management academby Society, which is registered under the society act would set up the university in the private sector in Lucknow.

The most important part of the Bill is the provision for appointment of Chancellor-chairman (Kulaadkshya), who would have wide range of power. The chancellor of the University would be appointed by the state government in consultation with the society while vice-chancellor would be appointed by the chancellor for five years, bill envisages.

Pro-chancellor of the university would be appointed by the vice-chancellor.

The proposed private university would be spread out in at least 50 acre of land and the building would spread around in not less than 24,000 square meters. Of the total constructed area, 50 per cent would be used for teaching and administrative work.

The university would also have equipement and other material worth over Rs 5 crore.

UNI