Delhi Cabinet clears Delhi Private University Bill, reserving 25% seats for Delhi students and introducing stricter regulatory, governance, infrastructure, and faculty norms.
The Delhi Cabinet has approved the Delhi Private University Bill, a proposed legislation that seeks to create a formal legal framework for establishing and regulating private universities in the national capital. The bill will take effect only after completing the required legislative process.
One of its most significant provisions is a 25% reservation for students from Delhi in every course offered by private universities. Admissions to these seats would be implemented in accordance with the existing reservation policy followed by the Delhi government.
The proposed law also lays down a comprehensive regulatory structure for admissions, infrastructure, faculty appointments, examinations, and university administration. According to reports, private universities would be required to comply with standards prescribed by the University Grants Commission (UGC) as well as other statutory bodies.
Another key feature is the unitary university model, under which private universities will not be allowed to affiliate colleges. However, they may establish additional campuses, regional centres, and study centres within Delhi.
The bill introduces strict eligibility conditions for organisations seeking to establish private universities. Sponsoring bodies must possess ownership or long-term lease rights over the required land for at least 30 years and ensure adequate academic infrastructure, including classrooms, laboratories, libraries, digital facilities, and student support services.
Faculty recruitment would have to follow UGC norms, while each university would be required to maintain a governance structure comprising offices such as Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, Controller of Finance, and Controller of Examinations.
The legislation also gives the Delhi government substantial oversight powers. The Higher Education Minister is proposed to serve as the Visitor of private universities, with authority to seek information, order inspections, and issue directions in cases of violations. Government representatives would also have a role in the universities’ management structure when matters involving the government are considered.
Education Minister Ashish Sood said the measure is intended to expand access to quality higher education within Delhi and reduce the need for students to move to neighbouring states or abroad for higher studies.
For a long time, there was a demand that private universities should be allowed to function in Delhi. The government is thinking of facilitating the operation of private universities in Delhi,”
the minister said.
The government has argued that Delhi currently lacks a dedicated law governing private universities and that the proposed Bill is intended to fill that regulatory gap while expanding higher education opportunities in the city.
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Aarushi Chaubey
