Question : MUSHROOMING OF FOREIGN UNIVERSITIES IN INDIA

(a) whether with the mushrooming of foreign universities, there has been surplus seats in various Indian universities;

(b) if so, whether due to less number of candidates, these universities are unable to maintain their infrastructure costs and thus are on the verge of closure;

(c) if so, the reasons for allowing foreign universities to operate from residential areas and small houses without infrastructural buildings etc. unlike Indian universities which are allowed to operate only when they have sufficient infrastructure;

(d) the details of such universities being operated from residential areas in Delhi;

(e) whether the Government is initiating any enquiry to find out the nexus between the Government officials and these foreign universities in allowing them to operate in India without proper infrastructure, buildings;

(f) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and

(g) the action taken by the Government to remove these universities from residential areas and relocate them at par with Indian universities?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (DR. D. PURANDESWARI)

(a) & (b): In the absence of a Central law for regulating the entry and operations of foreign universities, no authentic information about foreign universities operating in collaboration is available. However, National University of Educational Planning and Administration (NUEPA), a Deemed to be University had conducted a study in 2004, but the study was based on secondary sources and hence the information cannot be treated as fully reliable. The study identified 143 Indian institutions and 161 Foreign Education Providers engaged in collaboration.

(c): As per Section 2 (f) of the University Grants Commission (UGC) Act, 1956, “University” means a University established or incorporated by or under a Central Act, a Provincial Act or a State Act, and includes any such institution as may, in consultation with the University concerned, be recognised by the Commission in accordance with the regulations made in this behalf under this Act. As is clear from this section, no foreign university can be permitted to operate in India, unless it falls under the definition of the university. No foreign university has been granted status of deemed to be university under Section 3 of the UGC Act.

(d) to (f): In view of (c) above, do not arise.

(g): A legislative proposal, namely, The Foreign Educational Institutions (Regulation of Entry and Operations) Bill, 2010 has been introduced 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, while preventing the entry of those of dubious quality. At present, only All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has formulated “Regulations for Entry and Operation of Foreign Universities /Institutions Imparting Technical Education in India”. The AICTE also issues a list of unapproved institutions, which are offering technical programme without approval of the Council. The list of such institutions can be seen at http://www.aicte-india.org/misunapprovedinstitutions.htm