New regulations for deemed universities soon: HRD minister Smriti Irani

NEW DELHI: HRD minister Smriti Irani on Thursday announced that new regulations for the deemed-tobe universities will come into effect from this year, bringing in a regime of greater transparency and predictability for private sector participation in higher education, ensuring accountability at the same time.

While the University Grants Commission had proposed the new regulations at their last meeting, as per process the approval of the HRD ministry is necessary before the regulations can be notified.

The minister said that the new regulations will cut the ‘red tape’ that was throttling the private sector. One of the key changes being brought in will be by way of introducing timelines for disposal of applications. While applications from aspiring deemed university were pending with the ministry and UGC for 6-7 years earlier, this time period would now not be any longer than seven months under the new regulations, the minister pointed out.

The big takeaway for deemed varsities will be that the limitation of setting up of no more than six off campus centres will be done away with the new regulations. They will be able to set up new offshore campus as well but with prior permission from MEA and MHA.

To ensure complete transparency in the process, the expert committee report on each of the applying institute would be videographed and put online. Once declared a deemed university, it will have to participate in the national ranking and follow the full disclosure regime of fee and other details as well.