HP private universities to have regulatory body

To be headed by a person of eminence in the field of education or an IAS officer who has served at least three years as principal secretary,the commission will ensure that the universities function as per norms of the UGC and other national bodies,which grant sanctions to run professional courses.

The regulatory commission will have powers to issue showcause notices and even impose penalties up to Rs 1 crore,which can also be extended up to Rs 5 crore,or even recommend closure of an institution for violation of the guidelines.

The draft Bill,which will be introduced in the upcoming Monsoon Session of the Assembly,has been vetted by a Cabinet sub-committee headed by Education Minister Ishwar Dass Dhiman.

In Himachal Pradesh,more than eight private universities have become functional and there are 10 others in the pipeline. Such a large number of universities in the small state has raised questions with widespread demand for banning the universities,some of which have been functioning without a proper infrastructure in place. Sources said the top BJP leadership had advised the government against opening any new private university in the state.

The Cabinet also cleared Himachal Pradesh Prohibition of Cow Slaughter (Amendment) Bill 2010 to make changes in the existing law and tighten up some of the existing provisions.

Cabinet decisions
* Sanction granted to purchase of 10 light motor vehicles under Police Modernisation Programme
* 150 medical officers (general) to be recruited on regular basis
* 10 vacant posts of warders in the prison department will be filled
* Rogi kalyan samitis allowed to operate Jan Aushadhi stores by outsourcing them
* Approved Himachal Pradesh Judicial Officers (Pay Allowances and Conditions of Service) Act,2003 (Act No 13 of 2003) Amendment Bill,2010,approved