Getting private varsities to Goa will make students competitive: Goa CM

Panaji: The entry of more competitive universities into Goa will help make the state’s students more competitive, and Goa will see a positive impact as these new universities establish campuses here over the next 50 years, chief minister Pramod Sawant said on Thursday.

He said Goa’s first private university, Parul, has 70% Goan staff and students and that they have already subsidised fees for Goan students to the extent of Rs 1.1 crore.

In the next five years, Parul University, established in Betul, Quepem, is expected to expand to accommodate 8,000 students in total. This will not only make Goa an education hub but also boost the local economy, said Sawant, who also holds the education portfolio, after inaugurating Goa’s first private university.

“I wanted private universities to come to Goa. Many said at the time, what will happen to Goa University? I kept telling them that competitive universities will help make our students competitive. Our economy will be strengthened. Some of you may not have got admissions in the programmes on offer at other institutes in Goa. Many of us feel we should remain in Goa and study. Those speaking against private universities should come and speak to these students and see what it means to them,” said the CM.

He said that two more private universities will establish their campuses in the state soon, which will ensure that Goan students don’t have to leave the state for higher education in the future, unless it is by choice.

“I didn’t believe at first when I was told that 70% of the students admitted here are Goans, now I have seen it for myself. You can imagine, all these students had to leave Goa to study outside. Some may not be able to go outside due to financial reasons. Some may have to drop pursuing higher education. Now these students can study while enjoying the comforts of their home state. No Goan will have to leave home for higher education except by choice,” said the CM.

He said that new private universities beyond the three that have already been given permission will be approved only if they offer unique programmes not already available in Goa.

Sawant said bringing private universities to Goa will uplift the state’s higher education landscape.

“Goa is emerging as an education hub of India with NIT, IIT, international law university, water sports institute of India, etc. Premier institutes are making it a sought-after education destination. The impact of this university will go beyond students and extend to Goa’s economy,” he said.

The CM said that establishing a private university in one of the most rural parts of Goa in Quepem is a major development for the state.