Question : FOREIGN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

(a) whether any progress has been made with regard to the entry and functioning of foreign educational institutions in the country and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether proposals regarding opening of educational institutes in India have been received from various countries during the last three years;

(c) if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the Government is in favour of allowing foreign educational institutes to open Engineering and Medical Colleges in the country; and

(e) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (SMT. SMRITI ZUBIN IRANI)

(a): The Government had introduced the Foreign Educational Institutions (Regulation of Entry and Operations) Bill, 2010 in Parliament on 3.5.2010, which sought to put in place a mechanism to regulate the entry and operations of Foreign Educational Institutions (FEIs). However, with the dissolution of the 15th Lok Sabha, the Bill has since lapsed.

(b) & (c): There is a general interest expressed in certain quarters for setting up foreign educational institutions in the country. However in the absence of any central law or regulatory mechanism for entry and operation of FEIs, no specific proposals have been received.

(d) & (e): The provisions of the Bill of 2010 covered FEIs including those imparting or intending to impart technical education and medical education.