Delay in Governor’s assent impedes Kerala’s private university plans

With the 2026-27 academic year looming, the State government is growing increasingly anxious over the delay in securing the Governor’s assent for the Kerala State Private Universities (Establishment and Regulation) Bill, 2025.

The legislation, necessary for launching private universities in the State, has been pending for over two months, putting timelines and academic planning at risk.

Sources point out that while most States have already enacted similar legislation, paving the way for the establishment of nearly 450 private universities across the country, Kerala remains an outlier. The purported delay, they warn, could cost the State valuable time and potential investment in the higher education sector.

A long process

According to the provisions of the Bill, once passed into law, the government must first frame detailed rules before inviting applications from interested sponsoring agencies. These agencies will then be required to submit detailed project reports, which will be reviewed by a committee formed to assess the proposals based on academic, infrastructural and financial parameters.

At a later stage, a letter of intent will be issued to enable the sponsoring body to establish the required infrastructure and obtain recognition from regulatory bodies such as the University Grants Commission, All India Council for Technical Education, Medical Council of India, and Indian Nursing Council, before finally initiating the admission process.

At least a year

Official sources stress that if institutions are to begin operations in the 2026–27 academic year, they would need to initiate preparations at the earliest. “At least one year is required for planning, construction, staffing and regulatory compliance. Any further delay in receiving the Governor’s assent will make it impossible to meet this timeline,” an official cautioned.

At least five educational agencies have expressed interest in establishing private universities, while other business groups, some of which operate universities in other States, have been exploring similar opportunities in Kerala. These entities, sources indicate, have shown eagerness in beginning classes in the next academic year, aiming to align their admission process with the announcement of Plus Two results.

While the initial draft of the Bill drew criticism for potentially violating UGC norms, particularly concerning multi-campus centres, the final version that was passed by the Assembly omitted such provisions. Officials maintain that the legislation aligns closely with the UGC’s 2003 regulations for private universities.

Published - June 16, 2025 08:09 pm IST