Varsity bill will lead to smooth functioning of pvt institutes

After the the cabinet approved the Himachal Pradesh Private Universities (Regulatory Commission) Bill earlier this month, it is now paving the way for effective functioning of private universities and other private institutes for higher education in the state.

The bill would lead to formation of a regulatory commission in the state which will oversee the functioning of private universities and such institutes.

According to senior officials in the state administration, the regulatory body aims to provide power whereby students and their parents can have a redressal mechanism.

The body is expected to be in place within the next couple of months. The provision for a regulatory commission existed earlier, too, but it has been exercised now. Rules include introducing a penalty clause which would be used as a deterrent to prevent any misuse by these institutions.

 

Himachal Pradesh has witnessed a mushrooming of private universities within a short span of time. Ten universities have already established their campus in the state. Till 2008, the state had just two private universities. While government officials believe private universities setting their bases in Himachal would increase the Gross Enrolment Ratio, critics see the development with a jaundiced eye.

Educationists in the state fear private universities will only focus on professional courses instead of turning out to be comprehensive universities. Features like easy student availability and higher fees in technical courses are likely to influence the players setting up private universities.

Critics maintain private universities ought not be promoting just professional courses but have to adopt a liberal approach in promoting all courses alike. Also, manpower requirement for industry needs should be identified eduation should be based on that.