During the just-ended monsoon assembly session (Aug 31-Sep 2), due to the pressure from the opposition, the government withdrew the bill that permitted the setting up of private universities in Goa (TGE Sep 2). The fears of having private universities are: demand for acres of land, which is becoming scarce; enhanced water and electricity consumption, which are already in short supply; change in the demography of the place; locals and settlers may not see eye-to-eye; and an increase in the cost of daily essentials.
Also, private universities would charge exorbitant fees, which may not be affordable for many locals. Goa has a public University, several professional colleges (government and private) and three private universities. In these institutions, student enrolment leaves much to be desired. A study of the carrying capacity and what courses would interest the students is needed before permitting more private universities.
Instead of having a campus and spending huge amounts on infrastructure, faculties and facilities in Goa, private universities could conduct online courses from their main campus located elsewhere in India. These short- to long-term courses could lead to a diploma or degree (bachelors, masters). In Goa, an administrative office could provide information to and clarify the doubts of students and parents. Some courses could be designed to cater to Goa’s needs. For certain long-term courses, the students could be mandated to spend one or two semesters at the universities’ main campus. This would give them better exposure to prevailing conditions and job opportunities outside Goa.
Sridhar D Iyer, Caranzalem
