Govt to devise broad framework on PPP in education sector: Sibal

The government is all set to formulate a broad framework on Public-Private-Partnership to attract private agencies for collaboration in expanding educational facilities in the country, HRD Minister Kapil Sibal has said.

"We will prepare a broad framework on PPP. The policy will be ready soon," he told PTI in an interview.

Sibal's views assume significance as many prospective private agencies have expressed "certain concerns" over the PPP model and are looking forward to a "suitable policy" on it.

The government has decided to set up 20 Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), 600 polytechnics and 3,500 Model Schools in PPP mode.

At a recent meeting, representatives of the private sector had expressed concerns over the PPP model on the issue of autonomy. They were demanding full autonomy sans any interference from the government for institutions being started in the PPP mode.

"If you want the education sector to move forward with a new vision and how to make India a nation which has human capital as its greatest assets and as the source of its highest return, then you will have to look differently," Sibal said when asked to elaborate on the new PPP policy.

The government will set up 20 IIITs in PPP mode for which the National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) has prepared a Detailed Project Report.

Besides, 1000 polytechnics will be set up of which 300 polytechnics would be in PPP mode with partial funding of Rs three crore per polytechnic from the Centre while 400 polytechnics would be set up through private funding.

Similarly, the government is starting 6,000 Model Schools, one in each block. Of them 2,500 will be completely funded by the government, while 3,500 will come up in PPP mode.

Sibal also said the government is framing an action plan to eradicate female illiteracy in the next five years.

"We have goals to take up the literacy. It is part of President's address that all the women will be made literate in the next five years. This is our challenge. We will address in next few days. I am on the job," he said.

Sibal also said that his ministry will put more focus to enhance the research and development initiatives.

"About 4,500 to 6,500 people out of the one million do research and development in foreign countries. In India, the average is 156. This is unacceptable. This has to change. And whatever it takes we will change it in the next five years," he said.