Indian cabinet opens door to foreign universities

India’s cabinet on Monday approved legislation that would allow foreign universities to open campuses in the country, paving the way for massive reform in the education system.

The law will be put before parliament shortly and could see famous universities such as Harvard, Yale and Oxford, which have previously established tie-ups in India, setting up in the country.

India has a severe shortage of higher education institutions for its booming population where more than 30 per cent of its 1.1 billion people are under 14 years old.

Education is seen as a priority for many Indian households, with children put under constant pressure to attain good marks in exams and earn places at universities that then lead to well-paid jobs.

“This is a milestone which will enhance choices, and increase competition and benchmark quality,” Human Resources Minister Kapil Sibal was quoted as saying by the Press Trust of India news agency.

Only 12 per cent of all Indian college applicants get a place, but the government hopes to raise the figure to 30 per cent by 2020.

The proposed law sets out rules and regulations that foreign educational institutions would have to follow before opening in India. The process would take at least eight months.

For decades, the country’s brightest and most privileged students have headed abroad to complete their studies with many never returning home.

But the government has said that improving education facilities is key to the country’s future development.

India has permitted overseas investment in education since 2000 but it does not allow foreign institutes to grant degrees.

The bill is likely to attract strong opposition in parliament from lawmakers who fear it would encourage outside interference and higher fees.

Dawn.com