Quality foreign institutes will be allowed in India: Sibal

Sibal asserted the government’s stand that no fly-by-night operators will be allowed to set up campuses in India.

“We discussed a whole range of issues,including the entry of foreign education providers. We want that quality education providers should come here,” Sibal told reporters after the meeting.

He said 100 per cent Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) through automatic route is permitted in the education sector since 2000. But,the present legal structure in our country does not allow granting of degrees by foreign educational institutions on Indian soil.

The proposed Foreign Education Providers Bill would regulate the entry of foreign education providers as per India’s priorities.

Sibal also discussed about the initiatives taken by the Australian government to ensure safety and security of Indian students there.

Replying to a question in Parliament on the issue of Foreign Education Providers Bill,Sibal said 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.

During the meeting with Sibal,Smith highlighted the need to regulate education agents sending Indian students for study abroad. Sibal requested the Australian side to provide to a list of education agents affiliated by Australian institutions.

Sibal,who will visit Australia from April seven,also emphasised the need for institution to institution linkages and collaboration for vocational education and training.

He stressed on making suitable arrangements for Indian students who have been affected by closure of dubious institutes of vocational education in Australia.