PANAJI
In a major policy shift, the Goa government has decided to freeze permissions for new Indian private universities while exploring the possibility of allowing foreign universities to set up campuses in the State.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, speaking after inaugurating Goa’s first private university ” Parul University at Quepem ” said the government’s focus will now be on institutions that bring “innovation, unique concepts and something different for Goan students.”
Sawant confirmed that, apart from Parul University, approvals have already been granted to MIT Pune and Ganpat University (Gujarat) to establish campuses in Goa. “For now, we are not granting any more permission to private universities,” he said, clarifying that the State is open to foreign universities with distinctive offerings.
The newly inaugurated Parul University campus near ONGC Betul in Quepem has begun operations with 509 students across 13 programmes, including computer science, pharmacy, physiotherapy, and health sciences. Over 70 per cent of the enrolled students are Goans, with the university offering them 25 per cent lower fees compared to non-Goan students.
The institute has also announced plans to set up a private medical college in Goa in the near future.
Highlighting the importance of the new campus, Sawant said it will contribute to the economic revival of Quepem taluka and help bridge Goa’s shortage of nurses, pharmacists and physiotherapists. Currently, Goa has only one pharmacy college, four nursing institutes and two physiotherapy colleges.
“With courses in nursing, pharmacy, health sciences and physiotherapy, Parul University will help strengthen Goa’s healthcare system and ensure hospitals do not face staff shortages,” Sawant said.
The Chief Minister recalled that it was during his tenure that the Private University Act was passed in Goa. “This marks a new era in Goa’s educational history. For decades, Goa had no private university of its own, forcing bright students to leave the State. With competitive universities coming in, our students will have more opportunities and Goa’s economy will get a boost,” he added.
