Kerala government university finance commission sparks privatisation fears
Education experts allege the commission's mandate to explore private investment could lead to reduced public funding and higher student fees.
The Kerala government's decision to explore private investment and public-private partnerships (PPPs) for universities has raised concerns regarding the privatisation of higher education, according to The New Indian Express.
The newly constituted University Finance Commission has been tasked with examining hybrid financing models and the potential conversion of aided institutions into private universities.
Rajan Varughese, a former member of the Kerala State Higher Education Council (KSHEC), said the mandate creates a policy for restructuring higher education around greater private participation.
He noted that the order lacks safeguards to ensure alternative financing supplements rather than replaces public funding.
Amruth G Kumar, a professor at the Central University of Kerala, alleged the government is finding avenues to reduce government funding through the commission.
Former APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University interim vice-chancellor K Sivaprasad also questioned the proposal to convert aided institutions and noted the commission lacks chartered accountants.
Commission chairman B A Prakash dismissed the allegations as baseless propaganda, asserting the commission is not a precursor to privatisation.
Prakash said the primary mandate is to assess the financial health of 10 universities, curb wasteful expenditure, and mobilise resources.