FDI in Education Sector greeted by US Universities

US Universities have proposed a plan to allow foreign direct investment (FDI) in Indian education sector; it came as a joint decision from relationship between US and India. The institutions are well aware about the bill and search for more clarity before they enter India.

Assistant secretary for trade promotion and director general of the US and foreign commercial service, US Department of Commerce, Suresh Kumar who is leading US education mission to India said that, the Foreign Education Bill is a right move in this direction. However, it still needs clarity on various factors such as curriculum, fee structure and profit sharing.

The Union HRD Ministry, in 2010, proposed a bill to allow foreign education providers to set up campuses in India; and the bill is yet to approve. He also said that, Education, energy, and infrastructure are the only constraints for the growth of India and US institutions are eyeing on these areas.

About 21 schools and universities are part of this mission and are keen to build partnerships with their Indian counterparts in areas of teacher training, technology, curriculum and student exchange programmes. The delegation is visiting various parts of the country to explore co-operation in education sector.

Source: Richha Bhatnagar (Shiksha Team)