Delhi Cabinet okays Bill to open private universities in city

The Delhi Cabinet on Friday approved a Bill to create a legal framework for setting up private universities in the national capital, as the government seeks to expand higher education options in the city. The proposed law will be introduced in the ongoing Monsoon Session of the Delhi Assembly for discussion and approval.The draft legislation is aimed at addressing the shortage of quality higher education institutions in Delhi and encouraging private investment in the sector.According to the government, it is intended to support research, innovation, entrepreneurship and industry collaboration, while helping position Delhi as a national and international education hub.Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, who chaired the special Cabinet meeting, said that every year, thousands of talented students from Delhi are forced to move to neighbouring states or foreign countries because of the limited availability of quality higher education institutions in the city. "The Delhi government believes that quality of education should never be constrained by outdated regulations or institutional limitations," Gupta said. She added that students should have better access to excellent educational institutions, whether public or private, provided they follow the highest standards of transparency, accountability and academic excellence. Under the draft Bill, private universities will be allowed to set up constituent colleges and off-campus centres in Delhi, but they will not be allowed to affiliate with other colleges.The institutions will be able to decide their fee structure, but the fee for the entire course cannot be changed after admission. The Bill also proposes fee concessions for Delhi students, with 25 per cent seats to be covered on a merit-cum-means basis, including 100 per cent, 50 per cent and 25 per cent fee waivers.The Bill says private universities will have to comply with University Grants Commission norms, maintain prescribed academic standards, and provide adequate infrastructure and qualified faculty.It notes that Delhi currently does not have a dedicated legal framework for the establishment and regulation of private universities, while public universities alone cannot meet future demand as the need for quality higher education continues to rise."The proposed legislation seeks to address this need by encouraging private investment in higher education. It is aligned with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020, and aims to position Delhi as a national and international education hub. The Bill will improve research, innovation, entrepreneurship and industry collaboration. It will also facilitate establishment of globally reputed institutions and foreign universities," the draft says.The draft adds that the law shifts regulation away from rigid input-based norms towards quality, governance and academic outcomes, and is expected to generate employment, attract investment and strengthen Delhi’s knowledge economy.It also makes clear that the proposal does not create any financial liability for the Delhi government, as every private university will be self-financing and will not receive grants or grant-in-aid from the government, though such institutions may take part in competitive research projects funded by the government or other agencies under applicable rules.The higher education minister in the Delhi government will be the visitor of these universities. Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood said, "This law is not just about private universities, it is about the future of Delhi’s youth".Overall, the Bill seeks to expand higher education capacity in Delhi through a new legal framework for private universities while setting conditions on fees, standards, governance and access for students from the city.- EndsPublished By: India Today Web Desk Published On: Aug 7, 2026 22:57 IST