UP assembly passes Sahara University Bill

Lucknow, Aug 31 (UNI) Uttar Pradesh assembly today passed the Sahara University Uttar Pradesh Bill 2006 by voice vote even as the opposition demanded that such varsity should have been set up in the backward region of the state.

The University is being set up by the over Rs 30,000 crore Sahara India Group which has now forayed into the education sector, after ventures in finance, housing, aviation and health care.

State Parliamentary Affairs minister Mohd Azam Khan, piloting the bill, said the proposed varsity would be set up in Lucknow, which is going to become an 'education hub' of the country.

BJP member Bhartendra Singh said there was no need of more varsities in Lucknow as there were already 11 universities in the state capital.

BSP's Lalji Verma said such a university should have been set up in the backward region, so that the youth could recieve better education facilities.

BJP's Laxmikant Bajpayee, who had moved an amendment in the bill for sending it to the select committee of the house, however later withdrew it.

UP government had tabled the Sahara University Uttar Pradesh Bill 2006 in the state assembly through supplementary agenda on August 25.

As per the Bill, Sahara Arts and Management academy Society, which is registered under the Societies Registration Act, would set up the varsity in the private sector in Lucknow.

The most important part of the Bill is the provision for appointment of rector (Kuladyaksha), who would have wide ranging power.

The varsity chancellor would be appointed by the state government in consulation with the society, while the Vice Chancellor (VC) would be appointed by the chancellor for five years.

Pro-chancellor of the varsity would be appointed by the VC.

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

The varsity would also have equipment and other material worth over Rs five crore.

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