Question : WORLD CLASS STANDARD UNIVERSITIES

(a) whether the Government has held discussion with the academicians and scholars for determining the framework of Universities of Innovation in the country;

(b) if so, the details of the suggestions received by the Government in this regard;

(c) whether legislative proposal for setting up Universities for innovation aiming at World Class standard in academics and research has been finalized;

(d) if so, the details of thereof; and

(e) If not, the time by which the said proposal is likely to be finalized ?

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

(a): Yes Sir. Wide consultations on the framework of Universities for Innovation were held with several eminent persons,including academicians, captains of industry, Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Vice-Chancellors of Universities and Directors of top institutions of higher education.

(b): The major suggestions include:-

# that Universities of Innovation should provide research based learning,

# recognise merit in the matter in admissions and faculty selections,

# Indian academicians working in other Universities abroad should be attracted,

# adopt experiences and best practices from world class Universities,

# give complete autonomy to such Universities to operate in a healthy and competitive environment,

# emphasise the spirit of enquiry in such Universities,

# young and talented persons should be encouraged for research in Innovative areas, and

# Existing Universities to be enabled to become Universities for Innovation, by granting greater autonomy and improved governance structure etc.

(c): No sir.

(d): Does not arise.

(e): The Legislative proposal, soon after finalization, would be introduced in Parliament.