Update on Foreign Universities Bill 2010

InsideHigherEd ran a story on the developments with foreign universities bill in India. I was quoted in the story about the co-existence of both poor and good quality foreign collaborations outside regulatory system. I believe that the intention and timing of the bill is good as it attempts to clarify the country’s policy about foreign higher education. However, the last mile problem is with the approach of the bill. Creating some barriers for entry is good, but creating them so high that nobody can jump over them is unrealistic. Full story on All Eyes on India.

Pawan Agarwal also shared his persepctives on the bill. He argues that "the key to the success of Sibal’s landmark initiative lies in allowing partnerships between the foreign universities and the Indian public and private universities and the Indian private sector to flourish and prosper. There is a need for unambiguous provision in the law to make it happen; otherwise this law may in fact be a step backwards.

While, few foreign universities may set up their full-fledged branch campuses, but much of the action would be through creative partnerships between the foreign universities and the Indian partners. It is through such partnerships; he [Kapil sibal] can shake the system and enhance choice, increase competition and bring in internationally benchmarked quality to the Indian shores." Full Story at India's New Law on Foreign Providers