Foreign universities can now open campus in India

Indian Government finally approved a bill to allow foreign education providers set up campuses in India and offer degrees. The Foreign Educational Institution (Regulation of Entry and Operation) Bill, 2010, was cleared by the Union Cabinet presided by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. This paves way for its introduction in Parliament. "This is a milestone which will enhance choices, increase competition and benchmark quality," HRD Minister Kapil Sibal said after the approval of the bill by Cabinet. The bill seeks to regulate the entry and operation of foreign institutions, which will set up centre and offer degrees in India. This bill was hanging fire for over last four years owing to opposition from various quarters, including the Left parties, over certain provisions. The bill was approved by the Cabinet without any change on Monday.

The regulatory body in higher education, either UGC or any other body that would replace UGC, will scrutinise the proposals of aspiring institution as per India's priorities and advice government whether to allow the institute operate in India. Sibal has already said that quota laws will not be applicable to foreign universities setting up campuses in India. The proposed law would facilitate the globally renowned institutes to participate in India's higher education sector. It will bring in foreign education providers for vocational education training also.