ESTABLISHMENT OF PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES The approach paper of 12th Five Year Plan highlights the importance of Higher Education and has expressed concern over the poor Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) of Higher Education. The National Knowledge Commission headed by Sri Sam Pitroda has suggested that, to achieve the proposed increase of GER (Gross Enrolment Ratio) from the present 10 to 12 percent to 25 to 30 percent by 2020, at least 1500 Universities are to be created in the Country. This process envisages considerable expenditure for providing infrastructure, quality teachers and student support system. In this regard it has been suggested that the Private Sector also should play a major role by establishing private Universities without compromising with the quality. While encouraging private participation, care should be taken to maintain quality in Higher Education by putting in place adequate, mandatory provisions to maintain access, equity, quality and excellence in the system. Keeping this in view Government of Karnataka has been encouraging the Private Sector initiative and has allowed the establishment of Private Universities through Statutory provisions. This policy initiative has attracted several philanthropic minded trusts and educational organizations to come forward to start high quality universities. In furtherance of this policy of Government, the following Private Universities are established in the State: 1. Alliances University, Bangalore. 2. Azim Premji University. The proposals of the following organizations have been considered by the Higher Education Council and recommended to the Government. The process of enactment is under way: 1. Adichunchanagiri University, Nagamangala, Mandya Dist. 2. Sharnabasava University, Gulbarga 3. PES University, Bangalore 4. University of Reva, Bangalore 5. MSR University of Applied Sciences, Bangalore 6. Dayanand Sagar University, Bangalore 7. KLE Technological University, Hubli 8. Rai Technology University, Bangalore 9. Presidency University, Bangalore 10. CMR University, Bangalore 11. Vydehi University, Bangalore 12. Vellore University , Bangalore 13.New Baldwin University, Bangalore 14.JSS Science and Technology University, Mysore 15.Sri Krishna University, Bangalore Major Recommendations of the Council Furnished the opinion of the Council on the amendments to the Karnataka State Universities Act, 2000 proposed by Dr. N.R. Shetty Committee. 1. A draft proposal to create a new Bangalore South University out of the existing Bangalore University was submitted to the Government. 2. The Council offered its opinion on “The University for Innovation Bill 201” sent by the Govt. of India. 3. The proposal to start Kannada Study Centers in the University of Germany and Austria was recommended. 4. Revision of Pension in respect of University and College teachers retired prior to 01.01.2006. 5. Granting exemption for the candidates who have been awarded Ph.D.Degree prior to 2009 from completing NET/SLLET/SET examination to become eligible for faculty positions in the University and Colleges. 6. Establishment of Central University in Kodagu. 7. Draft Rules governing eligibility and procedure to submit the proposal for establishment of Private Universities in the State of Karnataka. 8. Draft Private University Bill 2012 9. Proposal for establishment of Karnataka State Academy of Higher Education. II. Rendering Guidance to the Universities: 1. Uniform Regulations for Admission, Migration of Students in different Universities was formulated. 2. Common Academic Calendar for the Universities having similar Academic Programmes was designed. 3. Common Regulations for Ph.D. Programme in Universities in accordance with the guidelines of UGC was framed. III. The following Rules/Regulations of the Karnataka State Higher Education Council was approved by the Govt of Karnataka and notified. a) Rules: 1. Rules governing the manner of preparation of Annual Budget and audited statement of expenditure. 2. Regulations governing the Terms and Conditions of the Service of the Staff of Karnataka State Higher Education Council. 3. Karnataka State Higher Education Council Regulations-2010.(Procedure relating to meeting of the Executive Committee) Karnataka State Higher Education Rules – 2010 (Powers and functions of the Executive Director) b) Regulations. 1. Regulations governing the terms and conditions of service of the staff of KSHEC. 2. Governing Karnataka State Higher Education Council Regulation-2010 (procedure relating to meetings of the Council) 3. Karnataka State Higher Education Council Regulation-2010 (relating to meetings of the Executive Committee).