The Tamil Nadu Private Universities (Amendment) Bill 2025 will undergo a review as instructed by Chief Minister M K Stalin, according to State Higher Education Minister Govi Chezhiaan. This decision follows significant protests from various political parties, including the opposition AIADMK and the ruling DMK“s ally, the CPI. Concerns were raised by the Association of University Teachers (AUT) regarding the bill”s potential to create “Brownfield Universities,” which would permit existing private colleges and government-aided institutions to transition into private universities.
The amendment aims to establish a category for minority private universities, catering to institutions founded by linguistic and religious minorities, in accordance with Article 30 of the Constitution. Additionally, it seeks to lower the minimum land requirements necessary for establishing new universities.
Critics assert that the bill, which was passed by the Legislative Assembly on October 17 during a four-day session, could lead to the corporatization of higher education, adversely impacting marginalized students” access to education. In response to the backlash, Minister Chezhiaan stated that the bill is intended to streamline existing processes for both the establishment of new private universities and the elevation of current private educational institutions to state private university status. He emphasized the importance of implementing legal safeguards for the welfare of students, teachers, and non-teaching staff when new private universities are formed.
Chezhiaan noted that the bill was introduced in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on October 15 and that public discourse on social media and other platforms prompted the need for clarification. He highlighted that Tamil Nadu currently boasts the highest percentage of students enrolled in higher education across India, indicating a pressing need for additional higher education institutions in the state.
As urbanization progresses rapidly in Tamil Nadu, the challenge of identifying large tracts of contiguous land has intensified, coupled with rising land values. The minister pointed out that reducing the minimum land size in line with private university regulations in neighboring states could facilitate the aspirations of private educational institutions wishing to achieve university status.
Addressing concerns regarding the implementation of reservation policies, Chezhiaan asserted that the Dravidian model government remains committed to social justice. He assured that reservation policies will be upheld in the hiring of teachers, student admissions, tuition fee determination, and the protection of employee welfare. He clarified that the government has not approved any de facto universities that do not adhere to state reservation rights.
In light of the feedback received from various Legislative Assembly members and other stakeholders, Chief Minister Stalin has recommended consulting with education experts and officials to ensure appropriate action regarding the bill. Following this guidance, Chezhiaan confirmed that the draft law will be submitted for a comprehensive review.
