Temporary measure aims to accelerate higher education growth until main campuses are ready
PANAJI
In a bid to expedite establishment of private universities in Goa, the State cabinet on Friday granted nod to allow setting up of transitional off-campus centres until the main campus is established.
The cabinet approved amendment to the Goa Private Universities Act, 2020 to amend sub-section (1) of section 6. The amendment would be introduced in the oncoming monsoon session of the State Legislative Assembly.
“In sub-section (1), in clause (ii) of Section 6 of the said Act, after the expression ‘whichever is higher’, the expression ‘and may possess an off-campus centre adhering to the guidelines of the regulatory body so as to start the operation of the university in the initial stages until the expiry of the maximum period specified or until the main campus is established, whichever is earlier,” the cabinet note stated.
The Goa Private Universities Act, 2020 came into force from April 1, 2020 to allow private universities to set up their campuses in the State. Total five private universities have so far got government consent.
During the Budget session, the government had amended the act in bid to vest the powers of the land acquired with the university and ensure that it is not used for any other purposes besides academic and research.
The amendment also allowed only non-profit making companies to be the sponsoring body of a private university. And in case the adequate numbers of eligible candidates belonging to reserved categories are not available; the same should be filled with candidates from unreserved categories.
Currently, as per law, the university should be set up on a land-owning or leased out for a period of 30 years with an area of not less than 50,000 sq mtrs.
