'For tech fields like AI-DS, the US, Canada, UK, Germany and Australia are popular due to strong research and industry links', says rediffGURU Dr Karan Gupta.
His remarks came after the Kerala assembly on Tuesday passed the Kerala State Private Universities (Establishment and Regulation) Bill, 2025, which marks a break from the Communist Party of India Marxist-led government's long-standing opposition to the privatisation of education.
The Kerala Assembly passed a bill allowing for the establishment of private universities in the state. This marks a significant policy shift for the CPI(M)-led government, which had previously opposed privatization of education. The bill was passed by voice vote following discussions on Monday and Tuesday. The opposition raised concerns about the potential impact of private universities on public institutions and questioned the practicality of the requirements for starting a private university. However, the government defended the bill, stating it was a necessary step to improve higher education in Kerala and elevate public universities to global standards.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a formal notification stating that these universities cannot establish off-campus study centres or offer distance education programmes beyond the territory of the state in which they are located.
Anant National University in Ahmedabad aims to design a new future for India.
