Decks cleared for private universities in MP

Bhopal, May 26: Decks have been cleared for establishment ofprivate universities with Governor Balram Jakhar giving his assent tothe Madhya Pradesh Private Universities (establishment and functioning)Bill, 2007 setting certain norms to set up such institutions.

The bill, passed during the Assembly's last budget session, has got the Governor's assent, an official release said today.

The Act provides for the promoters to deposit security deposit ofRs 5 crore under the endowment fund having control of the stategovernment.

The legislation stipulates certain conditions for establishinguniversities in the private sector with basic infrastructure like 20hectare land and constructed facility in 2500 sq metre area.

It provides for setting up a Regulatory Commission to regulate theactivities of the university including fixing norms for teaching,examination and research and to protect the interests of students andframe the service conditions of employees.

The commission will recommend the bylaws and ordinances to beissued under the University Act. The University Grants Commission mayinspect the university at certain interval and give its recommendation.

The Act incorporates all issues and directions issued by theSupreme Court in its February 11, 2005 ruling in the ChhattisgarhGovernment versus Prof Yashpal and others case, the release said.

Earlier, the apex court had struck down a similar legislationenacted by the Chhattisgarh government to pave for establishment ofprivate universities, which led to setting of about 80 suchinstitutions bereft of basic infrastructure and human resources.

Subsequently, these private universities were closed down puttingin lurch the fate of over 50,000 students who were enrolled till then.

UNI