Thiruvananthapuram: The state cabinet has approved the Private University Bill and decided to present it in the ongoing assembly session on February 13. A special cabinet meeting held today granted approval to the draft bill after considering objections raised by the CPI, a key coalition partner.

The CPM had earlier given in-principle approval for allowing private universities to operate in the state. However, during the last cabinet meeting, the CPI raised objections to certain provisions. Today’s special cabinet meeting was convened to finalise a decision after discussing the concerns raised by the CPI.

The government will not have control over fees or admissions in private universities offering multi-disciplinary courses. It will also not intervene in faculty appointments. However, admissions must comply with reservation norms, mandating that 15% of seats be reserved for the SC category and 5% for the ST category. If a university is found violating these provisions, a show-cause notice can be issued within two months, and its approval may be revoked. The government also has the authority to order an inquiry in case of violations.

Additionally, the government will have the power to inspect the financial and administrative records of private universities.

The governing council of each university will include the higher education department secretary and education experts nominated by the government. The academic council must have at least three members holding an associate professor or higher position, also nominated by the government. These and other provisions are outlined in the bill.