Kerala's Proposed Private Universities Bill Faces Resistance

Thiruvananthapuram- The Kerala government's Private Universities Bill faced resistance during a cabinet meeting on February 5, 2025, when CPI Agriculture Minister P. Prasad raised concerns about its impact on existing education systems. Despite CPI's opposition, the bill is likely to proceed as it has already received approval from the CPI-M-led Left Democratic Front.

Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan supported the bill while criticizing Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's previous stance against private universities, referencing a past incident involving former diplomat T.P. Sreenivasan. Sreenivasan welcomed the development, noting it was overdue by two decades.

The proposal has divided opinions, with RJD leader Vargheese George expressing concerns despite supporting it as part of the LDF coalition, while CPI's youth wing President N. Arun threatened protests, arguing for strengthening existing educational systems instead of allowing foreign universities. Arun warned of potential protests if the government proceeds with the bill.

The bill is expected to be discussed again at the next cabinet meeting. Higher Education Minister R. Bindhu was absent from the meeting due to being out of state.