Kerala govt to welcome foreign universities, allot modern job-oriented courses

Kochi: The state govt is maintaining an open-minded approach towards welcoming foreign and private universities while giving priority to modern, job-oriented courses, higher education minister Roji M John said on Saturday.

“In principle, we are for it (foreign universities setting up branches in the state). We can’t live isolated, without knowing the changes across the world,” John said, adding that official policy decisions would be made shortly.

Alongside structural entry for global institutions, the govt is prioritising the immediate introduction of contemporary, industry-relevant courses. Responding to various institutional requests, several modern courses have already been approved over the past fortnight. The govt aims to clear remaining proposals within this academic year, provided institutions strictly adhere to prescribed guidelines and standards.

To counter the shortage of medical seats driving students to neighboring states, the govt is exploring seat hikes across both govt and private-aided sectors, he said.

The minister said the previous govt implemented the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme without adequate preparation, leaving students and teachers stranded. To rectify this, a team of experts will be appointed to conduct a comprehensive study and suggest necessary revisions, he said.

The policy shift also addresses the steady migration of students abroad after senior secondary education. The administration plans to upgrade domestic infrastructure to retain talent locally. Furthermore, the govt is finalising modalities to implement ‘Indira Guarantee’ to provide a stipend of Rs 1,000 per month to college-going girl students.

The minister expressed grave concern over the ongoing CBSE valuation crisis, which has delayed the KEAM rank list and left parents anxious regarding how revaluation marks will be integrated. He noted that the central govt’s uncertainty should have been avoided.

Turning to regional development, John, the minister in charge of Ernakulam district, said high priority was being given to the eight-lane Angamaly-Kundannoor bypass and the Kochi Metro Phase 3 extension to Angamaly via Kochi airport, for which the detailed project report (DPR) is currently under way. The minister blamed the previous LDF administration for delaying the GIFT City land acquisition, promising to resecure central clearance to unlock its employment potential.

Finally, regarding the governor’s direct appointment of pro-RSS academic D Mavoothu as the temporary MG University vice-chancellor, the minister stated the govt would firmly present its stance to the governor to protect academic quality and prevent political interference while carefully avoiding a direct constitutional confrontation.

“The governor appointed Mavoothu without asking for a list of nominees from the state govt. Also the new govt didn’t get enough time to give the list. But we will resist all such political appointments and focus on the quality of education,” he said.