Thiruvananthapuram: In a move to revamp the higher education sector, Kerala government has decided to permit private universities in the state.

The special cell, set up to implement State Higher Education Reforms, is tasked to submit a report detailing the fee structure, reservations and other guidelines concerning Private Universities.

The higher education department was given the go-ahead to consider the issue by chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan after the CPM adopted a political position in favour of allowing private players in the state's higher education sector. 

The government plans to introduce a Bill regarding the same in the state assembly later this year. The decision to allow private universities in the state came based on recommendations of a commission headed by Shyam Menon, former vice-chancellor of B R Ambedkar University, New Delhi, who examined the possibilities of bringing reforms in the higher education sector in Kerala. 

Earlier, some colleges approached the state government requesting permission for the status of deemed universities. A committee, comprising the chief secretary, was later appointed to examine the requests from the colleges. However, since the deemed universities fall under Union Grants Commission (UGC), the State Higher Education Department opposed the Commission's recommendations.

Instead, CPM state leadership favoured allowing private universities.

Meanwhile, the cell will also prepare the guidelines for establishing constituent colleges in Kerala. Constituent colleges are under the universities and enjoy more autonomy in administration and academic matters. Around 20 government institutions are recommended to be raised to constituent colleges during the initial phase. To do so, the existing university rules will be amended.