Thiruvananthapuram: The draft of a new private universities bill, envisaging a more liberal framework for institutions, is ready. Besides greater operational and academic freedom, it proposes exemption from land-ceiling restrictions for holdings of up to 100 acres and waiver of stamp duty and registration fees for the first 10 years.“The draft bill is being vetted by the law department. Unless any changes are required, it is likely to be placed before the next cabinet meeting,” a senior department official said. If cleared, it is expected to be introduced in the assembly session beginning this month.It will replace the bill passed by the LDF govt in March 2025 and withdrawn by the present govt last month while pending presidential assent. The new draft seeks to ease conditions for educational institutions and investors to set up universities in the state.The 2025 bill required the sponsoring body to possess at least 10 acres and deposit Rs 25 crore with the govt. It also provided for greater govt oversight, including representation in governing structures and reservation of 40% of seats in every course for students from the state.The draft also provides for the proposed Kerala Knowledge Valley, an ecosystem for universities, research institutions, technology companies and other knowledge-based industries. A Kerala Knowledge Valley Development Authority, headed by chief minister, is proposed to oversee such projects, with a focus on deep technology, life sciences, aerospace and renewable energy.A single-window clearance board is proposed, with deemed approval within 60 days for specified clearances related to local bodies, pollution control, electricity and fire safety. The bill also provides for wider use of self-certification and land conversion under the Kerala Conservation of Paddy Land and Wetland Act.It also allows foreign higher education institutions and global innovation partners to collaborate in academic programmes, curriculum development and research. Private universities will remain self-financing and ineligible for maintenance grants-in-aid from the govt. The draft provides for student grievance mechanisms, fee safeguards and permanent endowment funds.The govt has cited the large number of students leaving the state for higher education elsewhere in India and abroad as a key reason for expanding higher education capacity.
