​ Kerala Assembly Passes Private University Bill Amid Opposition, Student Protests

Higher Education Minister R. Bindu emphasized that the bill was introduced after comprehensive efforts to empower public universities and elevate the state's higher education sector to global standards

The Kerala Legislative Assembly passed the Kerala State Private Universities (Establishment and Regulation) Bill, 2025, facilitating the establishment of private universities in the state. The bill was approved by voice vote after extensive discussions over two days. ​

Key Provisions of the Bill:

Application Process: Private individuals and entities can formally apply to set up educational campuses in Kerala. ​

Regulatory Oversight: The bill includes strict social regulations and vigilant interventions to ensure quality and equity in higher education. ​

Legislative Discussions:

Higher Education Minister R. Bindu emphasized that the bill was introduced after comprehensive efforts to empower public universities and elevate the state's higher education sector to global standards. She assured that private universities would operate under stringent regulations to maintain educational quality and accessibility. ​

Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan stated that while the United Democratic Front (UDF) was not opposed to the bill in principle, they advocated for thorough study and scrutiny before its implementation. He recommended prioritizing credible corporate education agencies with longstanding contributions to the sector when establishing private universities. ​

Revolutionary Marxist Party (RMP) legislator K.K. Rema voiced strong opposition, urging the government to withdraw the bill entirely. ​

The passage of this bill is significant, considering the Left Democratic Front's (LDF) historical opposition to the privatization of higher education. Approximately a decade ago, when the idea was proposed by the Oommen Chandy-led UDF government (2011-2016), the Left parties and their student organizations protested, arguing that private universities could commercialize education and limit opportunities for marginalized students. ​

On the day the bill was passed, the All India Students Federation (AISF), the student wing of the Communist Party of India (CPI), organized protests in Thiruvananthapuram. Police used water cannons to disperse the demonstrators, reflecting ongoing resistance to the privatization of higher education among student groups. ​

The bill aims to redefine Kerala's higher education landscape by potentially reducing the migration of students to foreign institutions and attracting reputable private universities to the state. The government's commitment to strict regulatory measures seeks to balance the introduction of private institutions with the preservation of educational standards and equitable access for all students. ​

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