State cannot regulate foreign universities: Higher Education Minister

Higher Education Minister M.C. Sudhakar said that the State government cannot regulate foreign universities, which will be functioning in Karnataka, on the fees, reservation of seats for native students, and other Constitution-based reservations.

Addressing a press conference on Thursday, November 20, he said that foreign universities are autonomous institutions like private universities and deemed-to-be universities and have received permission directly from the University Grants Commission (UGC).

“We have provided the necessary infrastructure for these universities to operate in our State. Otherwise, all administrative decisions, including fees, curriculum, examinations, are up to the respective universities,” he said.

“The rules for providing reservation to native, poor and meritorious students cannot be imposed on foreign universities. However, Lancaster University of United Kingdom (UK), which will establish its campus in Bengaluru, has voluntarily agreed to provide reservation to poor and meritorious students. It would be good if other foreign universities also follow this. But this rule cannot be imposed on them,” he said.

However, students who go abroad to study under the scholarship of Scheduled Caste/Tribe (SC/ST) and other constitutionally based reservations will be considered for enrolment in foreign universities here. This requires the consent of the concerned departments, he stated.

SEP not applicable

Responding to another query, the Minister clarified that the State Education Policy (SEP) will not be applicable for foreign universities. “When we don’t have that right on private and deemed-to-be universities, how can we impose it on foreign universities?” he questioned.

The State government has also decided to write to the UGC seeking clarity on student grievances in the event of foreign universities winding up suddenly.

“In such a situation, there is no clarity on the future of the students as foreign universities are not under the control of the state government,” Dr. Sudhakar said, directing the officials to study the conditions imposed by the UGC for foreign universities and submit a report.

Meanwhile, he said that foreign universities setting up their campuses in Karnataka will be beneficial for students as not many can afford to go abroad.

Meeting with Minister

Sharing details after meeting the delegation lead by UK minister for Indo Pacific Seema Malhotra, Dr. Sudhakar said that he has requested the UK government to increase the number of students eligible for the Chevening scholarship programme from Karnataka. “We have also proposed dual degree programmes and research centres at our universities in collaboration with universities from the UK,” he added.