Government faces dilemma as aided colleges pursue deemed university status
The bid by two prominent aided colleges in Kerala to acquire 'Deemed to be University' status has left the State government in a spot of bother.
While a virtual visit of the Rajagiri School of Social Sciences, Ernakulam, by the University Grants Commission (UGC) is complete, the procedure at Mar Ivanios College, Thiruvananthapuram, will be held within a few days.
The development is feared to have far-reaching consequences for the State's higher education sector. The government recently passed a landmark Bill that envisioned encouraging reputed college managements to establish private universities.
However, the present development could prompt more institutions to seek the deemed status, as it offers more operational flexibility than the private university framework under the State legislation. Notably, deemed universities could function as a cluster of institutions, while private universities will not be permitted to establish multiple campuses in the State.
Policy analysts fear this shift could undermine the aided sector and even public universities in the long term. As many as 118 colleges in Kerala, predominantly government aided institutes, at present possess NAAC 'A' grade with a CGPA range of 3.01 to 3.25. A valid accreditation by the NAAC with at least 3.01 CGPA for three consecutive cycles is a prerequisite to seek the deemed status.
'Since several institutions fit the bill in Kerala, many could follow suit, lured by the ability to determine fees on their own. Besides, self-financing colleges, run by common managements, could come under the newly-formed universities,' a source said.
Both applicants are learnt to eye the deemed status, even while receiving grant-in-aid. While the government is yet to state its official position, an evolving controversy in Karnataka assumes relevance in this light.
The Government of Karnataka recently ordered an inquiry into some institutions that received financial assistance, even after becoming deemed universities.
Meanwhile, Mar Ivanios College refuted reports that the institution is attempting to bypass the government to attain the status. The present proceedings are merely the continuation of an application submitted three years ago.
It stated that the management had submitted its application to the UGC in May 2022 at a time when the government had not yet declared any clear policy regarding deemed universities. While a recommendation from the government was required as part of the application process, the government officially responded stating that the matter was under review and a reply would be given later. This official communication was submitted along with the college's application to the UGC.
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