Synopsis
The Kerala CPI-M has reversed its longtime opposition to private universities, approving a Bill to establish them in the state. This change is welcomed by advocates who have long pushed for such institutions, marking a significant shift in the state's higher education policy.Key Takeaways
- The CPI-M has approved the establishment of private universities in Kerala.
- A Bill will be presented during the current Assembly session.
- The decision is seen as a response to the needs of students seeking higher education.
- Critics highlight the CPI-M's previous opposition to private education.
- Social justice is addressed with 40% reservation for Kerala students.
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 11 (NationPress) The Kerala CPI-M, after a prolonged opposition to private higher education institutions, has now approved the establishment of private universities within the state. This decision is being positively received by advocates who have campaigned for this change for decades.
During a special Cabinet meeting held on Monday evening, the Pinarayi Vijayan administration granted permission to draft a Bill aimed at incorporating private universities into Kerala's educational landscape.
State Fisheries Minister Saji Cherian informed IANS that this Bill will soon be presented at the current Assembly session and is expected to pass swiftly.
Since receiving the endorsement from the Vijayan Cabinet, news channels have been actively discussing the past resistance from CPI-M leaders, including CM Vijayan, against the establishment of private universities.
Leaders within the CPI-M had previously vowed to oppose such legislation, particularly during the tenures of Congress Chief Ministers K. Karunakaran, A.K. Antony, and Oommen Chandy.
P.K. Abdu Rabb, former education minister of Kerala from 2011-16, remarked that over the past decade, Kerala's students have faced significant disadvantages due to the CPI-M's stance.
“The Higher Education Council, which I chaired alongside former diplomat T.P. Sreenivasan, advocated for the establishment of private universities. However, we faced hostility from CPI-M's student and youth wing activists,” he recalled.
“Countless students have had to pursue their education abroad in recent years. The CPI-M often recognizes the value of progressive initiatives too late, resulting in lost opportunities,” Rabb stated.
Babu Sebastian, former Vice Chancellor of MG University, commented that while the decision has come belatedly, it is nonetheless a step in the right direction.
“The proposed Bill includes a 40 percent reservation for Kerala students, which is a positive move. Addressing social justice is crucial, and this may help retain students who are considering studying overseas,” Sebastian added.
Despite growing criticism regarding its prior opposition, Dr. R. Bindu, state Higher Education Minister and spouse of CPI-M politburo member A. Vijayaraghavan, stated that failing to adapt would harm students in Kerala.
“We must advance as circumstances evolve and cannot regard private universities as untouchable entities. The CPI-M's student wing has been made aware of this reality. In India, private universities are now prevalent, and we cannot afford to disengage,” Bindu concluded.
