The University Grants Commission (UGC) on March 5 permitted private universities across the country to set up off-campus centres. However, the Gujarat law does not have provisions for this expansion.
Unless the Gujarat Private Universities Act of 2009 is amended, this will not be possible in the state, say experts. The state Act lacks provisions for the setting up of such centres. This factor has caused concern among potential investors.
Experts suggest amending the Act to enable private universities to expand. However, education department officials say that the UGC’s nationwide permission supersedes state-level regulations.
UGC criteria
The UGC decision permits private universities to set up off-campus centres across India, provided they meet certain criteria. These criteria include a minimum operational period of five years, accreditation from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), and compliance with staffing, infrastructure, and financial prerequisites as per UGC norms.
In addition, private universities must secure approvals from relevant regulatory bodies and provide proper land lease documents for a minimum period of 30 years. The universities must also ensure that the infrastructure, faculty and courses offered at off-campus centres match those at the main campus. An establishment fee of Rs 10 lakh is also mandated by the UGC.
While this decision expands educational options for students, concerns persist about its potential impact on Gujarat’s public universities, as private university expansion could further weaken them.
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