Delhi to house South Asian varsity
The first batch of students are likely to get enrolled in the proposed South Asian University (SAU) from the summer of 2009. It has been confirmed that SAU would be housed in Delhi.
By Akshaya Mukul, TNN |
NEW DELHI: The first batch of students is likely to get enrolled in the proposed South Asian University (SAU) from the summer of 2009. It has been confirmed that SAU would be housed in Delhi. Sources say the Delhi government would be asked to give more than 200 acres of land.
During the two-day meeting of officials from Saarc countries, which ended on Wednesday, India offered to set up a project office in Delhi. The project office would be headed by an Indian CEO. He would be assisted by professionals from other Saarc countries.
Most importantly, the project office has been asked to deliver on four aspects within a year so that admissions can begin in 2009. One, land and construction of the university. Two, governance and legal structure of SAU. Three, academic and curriculum structure of the university. And last, SAU’s business plan and funding pattern.
The broad contours of SAU have already been spelt out in the agreement signed by the Saarc countries. SAU proposes to bring together the brightest and the most dedicated students from across South Asia — irrespective of gender, caste, creed, disability, ethnicity or socio-economic background — to impart liberal and humane education.
SAU will be run by a governing board comprising two members from each member state and headed by a chairperson. The university will be headed by a president, appointed by the governing board. The president will also be the CEO and a member of the governing board. He will be responsible for implementing the vision and foundation statement of SAU and will hold office at the pleasure of the board.
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Even as work on SAU continues, HRD ministry is keen on a legislation be enacted by the Indian Parliament since the university will be housed in India. Though the agreement, passed by Union cabinet, makes it clear that SAU will be based on non-profit public-private partnership and will have tax exemptions in the country where it is located, HRD feels it is not enough. The reason: considering India’s size, it will be one of the biggest contributors to SAU and, hence, it will be better if the Parliament votes for the money that goes as contribution from India. Second, the Bill should also make it clear if Indian tax laws and reservation law will be applicable to SAU or not.
"SAU will be the entity of eight countries with each having an equal stake. It will be public money that India will contribute. Therefore, a legislation should make it clear if Indian laws will be applicable or not," an official said.
Courtesy: www.timesofindia.com
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