The draft legislation for the creation of 14 world class innovation universities in the country is ready. The draft legislation is presently going through last round of consultations with stakeholders and academicians.
Official sources stated that the government plans to set up 14 innovation universities over the next few years. A project, which has the strong backing of Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh.
Sources stated that as per the draft legislation, the government is looking at three modes of establishing these universities, sponsored by the Central government, PPP and private ownership.
“The government has kept all three options of university ownership open as it wants to attract the best talent from India and abroad for establishing these innovation universities,” sources added.
Once the consultation process is over, the ministry will seek the approval of the Union Cabinet and hopes to present the bill before Parliament in the Winter Session later this year, sources stated.
Each of these universities is being planned as a centre of excellence in one particular field which is abundant or relevant to that respective state and promote research and development in that subject.
The proposed university in Rajasthan will focus on research in solar energy while its counterpart in Bihar will focus on subjects of livelihood and migration.