Gujarat to get six new universities; Assembly clears bills

The Gujarat Assembly today passed bills for the establishment of four private and two government-run universities in the state.
Birsa Munda Tribal University Bill, Gujarat Organic Agricultural University Bill and Gujarat Private Universities (Amendment) Bill were passed today.
While placing the Tribal University Bill on the floor of the House, Tribal Development Minister Ganpat Vasava said the government had earmarked Rs 20 crore to establish the university at Rajpipla in Narmada district.
"This university will provide courses in tribal arts, culture, tourism, forest-based economic activities, languages and medicinal system. Though the admissions are open for all, we will give preference to tribal students to make sure that they are not left behind in higher education," said Vasava.

The bill for agricultural university was tabled by the Agriculture Minister Chimanbhai Saparia. The university is most likely to come up in Gandhinagar.
"Despite a huge demand for organic farm products, farmers and other stakeholders don't have enough knowledge about production processes, techniques, pest management. This university would offer comprehensive solutions, learning tools and education to train the future generations in this emerging field," the minister said.

Apart from these two state-run universities, Gujarat is set to get four new private universities, as the Assembly passed a bill seeking to amend the current act governing the private universities.
These four new universities are Swarnim Startup and Innovation University in Gandhinagar, P P Savani University in Surat, Indrashil University in Dholera, Ahmedabad, and Karnavati University in Gandhinagar.

With this, number of private universities in the state would reach 25, Education Minister Bhupendrasinh Chudasama told the Assembly.
The House today also passed Gujarat Maritime Board (Amendment) Bill, Gujarat Provincial Municipal Corporation (Second Amendment) Bill and Gujarat Tribal Development Corporation (Amendment) Bill.