Indian govt. for 100 pc FDI in higher education

The Government is for allowing 100 per cent Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in higher education and hinted at making reservation mandatory in the institutions to be set up by foreign universities in the country.

Citing India's WTO commitments made in 2003, Higher Education Secretary R P Aggarwal said, "The Government has proposed 100 per cent FDI in higher education in all institutions."

His remarks came in the wake of a recommendation said to have been made by a group of Ministers studying the Foreign Education Bill allowing 50 per cent FDI in higher education.

Asked about the GoM's reported stance, he said he was not aware of its recommendations as its report was still awaited.

On the issue whether reservation would apply to the foreign universities, he indicated that quota could be made mandatory for such institutions by saying that they would be given "national treatment".

"They will be given national treatment. What applies to domestic institutions will apply to the foreign institutions," Aggarwal said addressing the Editors' Conference on Social Sector Issues.

Aggarwal said the GoM was going into the issue of FDI and the regulations would be formalised once the Foreign University Entry and Operation (Maintenance of Quality and Prevention of Commercialisation) Bill is finalised.

The Education Secretary also informed the gathering that 700 foreign institutions have applied for permission to function in the country.

Aggarwal said currently, based on the rules and regulations prescribed by the All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE), foreign institutions are already offering professional courses in the country.