Highest number of private varsities in Himachal not justified,says ABVP

“We want to question Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal whether the state has carried out any survey to assess the need for private universities in the state. Moreover,the fee structure for economically weaker sections is the same and there are also no reservation for Schedule Caste and Schedule Tribe categories,” said ABVP national secretary Ravi Kumar,while talking to mediapersons in Shimla.

He said the ABVP would take up the issue of rampant opening of private educational intuitions leading to commercialisation of education and corruption across the nation and the state of affairs in Himachal was worrisome.

ABVP national secretary Umesh Dutt said: “Dubious nature of some universities in Himachal,like Rayat Bahara is visible. It has still not set up a campus here and is holding placement fairs in the state. Another,Manav Bharti University has advertised over 200 seats of PhD without proper infrastructure and staff.” In the upcoming nationwide agitation,the ABVP would also raise the issue of exorbitant fees being charged by various government colleges and universities for professional courses in engineering and medical education.

“What is the reason for huge difference in fees for engineering in Gujarat (Rs 15,000),Punjab (Rs 82,000) and Himachal (Rs 40,000)?” he said.