Question : SETTING UP OF WORLD CLASS UNIVERSITIES

(a) whether the Government proposes to set up world class universities and colleges in the country;

(b) if so,the details and the salient features thereof alongwith the details of places selected for the purpose,State-wise;

(c) whether differences have crept up between the National Knowledge Commission and the University Grants Commission over world class universities as reported in The Hindu dated 29 August,2008;

(d) if so,the details in this regard;and

(e) the steps taken by the Government to resolve the differences?

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (SHRI ARJUN SINGH)

(a) to (e): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.243 FOR 16.12.2008 REGARDING SETTING UP OF WORLD CLASS UNIVERSITIES ASKED BY SHRI KISHANBHAI V.PATEL AND SHRI NAND KUMAR SAI

(a) to (e): Yes,Sir.The Government proposes to establish 14 National Universities aiming towards world-class standards during the 11th Plan period. A State-wise list of cities identified for locating these universities is annexed. A preliminary draft of the Concept Paper on setting up of these universities was prepared by an Expert Committee constituted by the University Grants Commission.The Expert Committee has held extensive consultations with eminent educationists,academics and policy makers.The relevant recommendations of the National Knowledge Commission have also been taken into consideration by the Expert Committee while revising the draft Concept Paper. The Concept Paper is, however, yet to be finalized by the Committee.