THIRUVANANATHAPURAM / KOZHIKODE: Differences within the CPM over allowing foreign universities to set up campuses in the state came to the fore on Tuesday, with its student arm, SFI, objecting to the proposal amid reports that the party has not yet discussed the matter that implies a major policy shift. Treading with caution, Higher Education Minister R Bindu clarified that the government has not taken a policy decision on the contentious issue.
In his budget speech on Monday, Finance Minister K N Balagopal announced that the government will examine opportunities to establish foreign university campuses in the state.
In a major embarrassment to the CPM and the LDF government, the SFI made it clear that it was against the proposal. “We are really concerned over the issue. SFI cannot agree with the concept. There is no need for foreign university campuses in Kerala,” SFI state president K Anushree told reporters in Kozhikode. SFI would take up the matter with the government.
The SFI had fiercely resisted moves to allow private and global players in the state’s higher education sector, especially during the tenure of the previous UDF government.
CPM sources wondered how such an important policy shift be announced by the finance minister in the assembly without the party’s approval. “No decision has been taken on allowing foreign universities in the state. It may have found mention in the budget owing to the investment potential. Further discussions need to be held on the matter,” Bindu told TNIE.
Senior functionaries of the state higher education council also admitted off the record that they were taken aback by the mention of foreign universities in the budget without even conducting preliminary discussions.
Meanwhile, academics are of the view that setting up of foreign university campuses in the state may not entirely address the migration of students abroad.
SFI wants govt to maintain control over pvt varsities
“The exodus of students cannot be prevented as it has become a norm for them to go abroad not only for studies but eventually to settle down overseas,” said T P Sreenivasan, former vice chairman of the Kerala State Higher Education Council (KSHEC).
The scenario would have been different had the reforms suggested around 15 years ago, by the council headed by him, were implemented, he said.
A section of academics opine that foreign universities entering the state will benefit those students who intend to pursue world-class courses in India. The UGC has said only foreign universities within the top 500 ranks will be allowed entry in the country,” said R Jayaprakash, former executive council member of KSHEC.
On the proposal for private universities, Anushree said it has become mandatory for the the states after the implementation of the New Education Policy of the Union government.The SFI wants the government to maintain control over the private universities.
Minister Bindu said, “We cannot turn our back towards the reform when other states have opened their doors to private universities as per the UGC’s directions.”
