Foreign varsities can set up campus in India

A foreign university aspiring to set up a campus in India will have to deposit Rs. 50 crore as corpus fund and cannot take back the surplus generated from education activities in the country. These tough conditions are part of a Bill approved by the Union Cabinet on Monday to allow entry and operation of foreign education providers in India.

Now, students aspiring for a foreign degree could earn it in India as a proposed law would facilitate the globally-renowned institutes to participate in India’s higher education sector.

After hanging fire for over four years, the Foreign Educational Institution (Regulation of Entry and Operation) Bill, 2010, was cleared by the Union Cabinet presided by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. This paves way for its introduction in Parliament.

Each institute will have to be registered with the University Grants Commission (UGC) or any regulatory body in place at the time of registration. The Bill has a provision under which the government can reject an application of a university if it feels that venture will have an adverse impact on national security.

HRD Minister Kapil Sibal said: "This Bill is a milestone which will enhance choices, increase competition and benchmark quality." Sibal has already said that quota laws will not be applicable to foreign universities setting up campuses in India.

The Cabinet passed the Bill at a time when two major global institutions, Duke University from the U.S. and Imperial College, London, have shown interest to set up full-fledged campuses in India.

- Asian Tribune -