Telangana government seems to be determined to go ahead with its controversial Private University Bill, ignoring resistance not only from the opposition parties but also from the Telangana Joint Action Committee (TJAC). Already the government is facing severe criticism for its Land Acquisition Bill, withstanding High Court verdicts, farmers resistance and opposition’s tirade. The bill was passed by the assembly and forwarded to the Centre for the President’s consent.

Though the state cabinet has given nod to the Private University Bill, it was not introduced in the ongoing winter session of the Assembly. According to sources the government is planning to bring it up before the budget session. Whatever maybe the consequences, the state government has firmed up its decision to open the doors for private universities, to set up their centres in the state.

Already the government started the process. As of now, there are over 250 private universities in the country, spread across almost all the states. Only Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana are yet to allow private universities.

Before formalising the bill, the state government officials are now studying various models followed by other states to frame guidelines for the functioning of private universities in the state. The contentious issue to be finalised is the policy to be adopted for providing reservations to the locals.

The eight private universities approved in the neighbouring state of Andhra Pradesh, are given free hand without providing reservations to locals. However, some states have made it compulsory that local students should be given 10 to 25 per cent seats in private universities. Chief Minister Chandrasekhar Rao is said to be particular that they should provide 25 per cent reservation to Telangana students.