Kerala Considers Private Universities Amidst Debate on Education Model

Kerala is contemplating a significant shift in its education policy with the Kerala State Private Universities (Establishment and Regulation) Bill, 2025. This bill reverses the Left Front's long-standing opposition to private education, potentially allowing private universities to establish campuses across the state. A key provision mandates that 40% of seats be reserved for Kerala residents, adhering to the state's reservation policy. Sponsoring agencies must have experience in education and deposit ₹25 crore as a corpus fund. The move addresses declining traditional industries, a growing demand for quality higher education, and infrastructure gaps in public institutions. However, the bill faces criticism. Concerns include the lack of clarity on eligibility criteria for applicants, the financial burden on students, and the potential undermining of Kerala's inclusive education model. Some argue that private universities may cater exclusively to the upper class and exacerbate the commercialization of higher education. Others suggest that private universities could improve the quality of humanities disciplines by recruiting faculty from across India and broadening perspectives. The final decision on the bill awaits further discussion in the assembly.