Date: 07/01/2023
Relevance: GS-2: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
Key Phrases: New Education Policy 2020 (NEP, 2020), Ministry of Education, offline mode, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), Foreign Exchange Management Act, audit report, legislative framework
Why in News?
- Recently, the University Grants Commission (UGC) announced the draft regulations for ‘Setting up and Operation of Campuses of Foreign Higher Educational Institutions in India’.
- The final regulations will be notified by the end of the month after considering feedback from all stakeholders.
What are the terms and conditions for foreign universities?
- Only full-time programmes in offline mode:
- Foreign universities with campuses in the country can only offer full-time programmes in offline mode.
- Online or distance learning will not be allowed.
- Need of University Grants Commission (UGC) nod
- The foreign universities and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) will need a nod from the UGC to set up their campuses in India.
- Limited period approval with strict quality control:
- Initial approval will be for 10 years and will be renewed in the ninth year subject to the meeting of certain conditions.
- The foreign universities shall not offer any such study programme which jeopardizes the national interest of India or the standards of higher education in India.
- Functional autonomy to Foreign Universities:
- Foreign universities will have the freedom to decide their admission criteria and fee structure.
- However, the commission can advise on keeping the fees “reasonable and transparent".
- Matters related to funds and funding as per FEMA,1999:
- The cross-border movement of funds will be according to the Foreign Exchange Management Act.
- Cross-border movement of funds and maintenance of Foreign Currency Accounts, mode of payments, remittance, repatriation, and sale of proceeds, if any, shall be as per FEMA, 1999.
- An audit report shall be submitted annually to the commission certifying the operations of the FHEIs.
- The operation of foreign HEIs shall not be contrary to the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the state, friendly relations with foreign states, public order, decency, or morality.
What does the National Education Policy [NEP], 2020 say about Foreign universities' establishment?
- The National Education Policy [NEP], 2020, has envisioned that top universities in the world will be facilitated to operate in India.
- A legislative framework facilitating such entry should be brought by the Government.
- Foreign universities will be given special dispensation regarding regulatory, governance, and content norms on par with other autonomous institutions of India.
What are the benefits in establishing the foreign universities in India?
- Such Foreign Higher Educational Institutions will provide:
- International dimension to higher education in India.
- Enable Indian students to obtain foreign qualifications at affordable cost.
- It will make India an attractive global study destination.
- Diverse types of foreign universities will be able to set up their campuses in India with sufficient functional autonomy to decide the admission process, fee structure and repatriate their funds back home.
- The foreign institution will recruit the top international faculty and staff and strengthen the quality of higher education in India.
What is the mechanism for the selection of the foreign universities?
- There will be two categories of foreign institutions eligible to apply
for setting up their campuses in India:
- The universities that have secured a position within the top 500 of overall or subject-wise global ranking.
- A reputed institution in its home jurisdiction.
- UGC will be the regulatory body:
- The UGC shall constitute a standing committee to examine matters related to the setting up and operation of campuses of foreign HEIs in India.
- The standing committee shall assess each application on:
- The credibility of the educational institutions.
- The programmes to be offered.
- Potential to strengthen educational opportunities in India.
- Proposed academic infrastructure.
What is the way forward suggested by the experts?
- The need to ensure that the foreign faculty appointed to teach at the Indian campus shall stay at the campus in India for a reasonable period.
- Foreign varsities will also have to ensure the quality of education imparted at their Indian campuses is on par with their main campus.
Source: The Hindu BL
Mains Question
Q. Analyze the benefits of setting up of campuses of Foreign Higher Educational Institutions in India and suggest some measures to address challenges in establishing such Foreign Higher Educational Institutions in India. What are the steps taken by the government in this regard? ( 15 marks)
