(a) whether the Government proposes to allow foreign universities to set up
professional colleges in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the criteria for allowing such foreign
universities to set up their colleges in the country; and
(c) the time by which these colleges are likely to be established ?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (DR. SHASHI THAROOR)
(a): Yes, Madam. The Government has introduced a Bill called The Foreign Educational
Institutions (Regulation of Entry and Operations) Bill, 2010 in Parliament on 3.5.2010.
The proposed law seeks to put in place a mechanism to facilitate the entry and regulation
of reputed foreign educational institutions (FEIs). Such FEIs may also include professional
colleges.
(b): In order for any FEI to be eligible to offer educational services in India or
offer courses leading to award of degree or diploma or certificate, it has to be notified
as a Foreign Education Provider (FEP) under the provisions of the legislation. The FEI
should have been offering such services and courses for at least twenty years under the
law of the country in which it has been established or incorporated. The institution
should also have valid accreditation. The FEI should have adequate financial and other
resources and undertake to maintain a corpus fund of not less than fifty crore rupees
or of such sum as may be notified, from time to time, by the Central Government.
(c): The setting up of such colleges is incumbent upon Parliament passing the Bill.