Foreign varsities to get UGC cover

Foreign universities and colleges providing professional and graduate courses through affiliates in India will be brought under the ambit of...

Foreign universities and colleges providing professional and graduate courses through affiliates in India will be brought under the ambit of the University Grants Commission (UGC) to standardise the curriculum and keep a check on fake institutions.

The two-day conclave of state Education Ministers in Bangalore this week vested with the Centre the right to legislate guidelines to regulate their course content, admission norms and fees.

The ministers felt that such a check was necessary as a number of foreign universities opening centres and franchises were fake while some non-existent in the claimed countries. They suggested that such institutions should have approval from their home government.

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The UGC Act of 1956 sets out norms for institutions that take grant from the commission. It does not deliberate on private and foreign universities.

Sources said the ministers were in agreement that this education should be reasonable, accessible and non-commercial. They suggested that the new legislation or amendment should ensure uniformity in curriculum and maintenance of educational standards to dovetail the qualified with the job market or higher education.

That foreign institutions be directed to get certification from rating agencies such as the National Assessment and Accreditation Council before setting shop in India is also being contemplated. The ministry also plans to vet the curriculum to ensure there is no offensive course content against India.

Premji said that Wipro would partner with the Government "to find a lasting solution for Bengaluru's mobility challenges".

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