In Chennai, the Communist Party of India (CPI) has called on the Tamil Nadu government to cancel a new bill that amends the state’s private‑university law.
The bill, which was approved less than a month ago, removes the 100‑acre land requirement that private universities must meet before opening. CPI says the change could let private colleges pop up across the state without proper oversight, infrastructure or affordability.
CPI’s state secretary, M. Veerapandian, warned that the draft could flood Tamil Nadu with “mushrooming” private institutions that might act like parasites on the public‑education system. “It’s a step backward for equitable access to education, and it weakens social justice,” he said.
Key points of concern include:
- Land requirement removed – Universities would no longer need a minimum of 100 acres, making it easier for the private sector to set up schools on smaller plots.
- Regulatory gaps – The bill may strip the state of power over admissions, fee regulation, and the appointment of vice‑chancellors.
- Governance changes – Re‑forming governing councils could dilute the government’s voice in upholding academic standards and protecting marginalised students.
Veerapandian says the changes would let corporate interests dominate, eroding the Dravidian model of social justice that has shaped Tamil Nadu’s educational policies for decades. The bill, according to the CPI, would undercut the reservation system that has helped thousands of first‑generation learners succeed.
The party urged the government to rethink before the law takes effect.
“It is vital that the state consults with education experts, senior academics, and student groups before implementing any policy that changes the character of the state’s higher‑education system,” Veerapandian urged.
The CPI demands that the Private Universities (Amendment) Bill be withdrawn immediately to protect Tamil Nadu’s values of inclusiveness, fairness and equal access to education.
— End of statement ()
Source: ianslive
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