SEP wants new regulatory body for deemed varsities

'Private universities must adhere to Tamil Nadu's reservation policy

- BINITA JAISWAL

THE State Education Policy (SEP) focuses strongly on controlling the privatisation and commercialisation of higher education and has recommended the state government several measures to the effect.

Contrary to the National Education Policy (NEP) which provides private and public educational institutions equal footing, the SEP recommends the state government to take strict measures to control and streamline private higher educational institutions (HEIs). The SEP is also against any form of entrance tests for admissions into higher education courses, and bats for class 11 and 12 board exams marks to be made the basis for enrolment.

The SEP has also proposed that a regulatory body for 'deemed to be universities' should be put in place. It should have the power to regulate the admission procedure, including the admission of a fixed percentage of the total intake of students from Tamil Nadu, fee structure that may be determined by the fee committee, emolument structures for teaching and non-teaching staff as decided by the state. Importantly, it has recommended that deemed to be universities should also be made to adopt the reservation policy of the state.