Ambani keen on pvt varsity; Ordinance likely after Session

MUMBAI: Maharashtra Government is likely to issue an ordinance on setting up private universities in the state after the ongoing monsoon session of Legislature.

Leading industrial houses, including Reliance Industries, have evinced keen interest in setting up private varsities in the state.

"During a recent meeting, Reliance boss Mukesh Ambani told me that he is eager to set up a private university in the state," Minister for Higher and Technical Education Rajesh Tope told PTI here today.

The state government is likely to promulgate an ordinance on the private universities Act after the monsoon session, he said. This will be after we approach the state cabinet on the issue, he added.

There is 'good deal' of interest among business houses in setting up private universities in Maharashtra and the government expects that at least eight to 10 such varsities will be set up, the minister said.

These varsities are expected to introduce specialised courses in modern and emerging sciences like biotechnology, nanotechnology and fuel cell technology, Tope said.