Govt opens gate for foreign education institutions

NEW DELHI - Union Government on Monday approved the Bill to allow foreign education institutions to set up campuses in the country and offer degrees.

The Foreign Educational Institution (Regulation of Entry and Operation) Bill, 2010, was cleared by the Union Cabinet.

The Bill seeks to regulate the entry and operation of foreign institutions, which will set up centre and offer degrees in India.

Cabinet’s nod over the Bill paves way for its introduction in Parliament.

This Bill was facing uncertainity from last four years owing to opposition from various political parties.

In 2009, the Centre formed a Committee of Secretaries and reffred the Bill to it. The Committee brought modifications to certain provisions of the Bill.

Union Human Resource Minister, Kapil Sibal expressed happines over Cabinet’s approval to the Bill.

“This is a milestone which will enhance choices, increase competition and benchmark quality,” Sibal said.

The proposed bill prescribes eight-month time bound format for granting approval to foreign educational institutions to set up campuses.

The institution seeking entry into India would go through different levels of registration process during this period and will be finally registered with University Grants Commission(UGC).

The proposed law would facilitate the globally- renowned institutes to participate in India’s higher education sector. It will bring in foreign education providers for vocational education training also. (ANI)