No new self-financing colleges, says Education minister

Education Minister C Ravindranath has informed the state Assembly that no new self-financing colleges will be approved in the state.

He added that the government will examine the new UGC guidelines regarding self-financing colleges. Approvals were granted to 12 colleges in the first phase, and 7 colleges at the second phase.

The Higher Education Council was entrusted to make a detailed study about the functioning of these institutions and submit a report. In addition, a three-member committee was formed to evaluate the changes in the academic standard of the institution and their functioning.

However, there have been reforms from the side of the Central government that affect academic standard and upsetting the principles of social justice.

As per the new UGC regulations of 12 February in line with the Central government's new criteria, state governments are allowed to approve the starting of more autonomous colleges. And this was publicized through Gazette notification.

But opening self-financing colleges far and wide in Kerala will encourage commercialization of education. It will also reduce the regulatory controls of universities and their autonomy. Therefore, the government is of the opinion that these should be subjected to public debate.