NSUI: Leading the Way

Student movements have occurred through human history and have been a vital force for political and social change. Student organizations serve as fertile grounds that cultivate and nurture the character and ideology of young people and contribute to the betterment of society. National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) is the largest student organization in the world that has been motivating young minds and leading the torch of student activism. NSUI has always been in the forefront to protect the interest of student community and represent millions of students irrespective of their, religion, caste, gender and status in society.

Today, we are at a historic juncture where the youth of India are showing great interest in the political processes of the country. With the objective of opening the doors of politics to each and every youth of this country NSUI has embarked on a new journey which will see student leaders emerge from the grass roots. Thus, under the leadership of Shri.Rahul Gandhi, NSUI is undergoing a transformation which is built on the pillars of Open Membership, Internal Elections, Code of Conduct, Professional Training, Nationwide Programs and Performance Management.

The idea of democratic exercise through open membership and organizational elections has clearly brought about a windfall change in the way student politics was carried out in our country. NSUI’s initiative is a call to the students of India that they can make a mark in politics irrespective of their social, economic and political status. It is a matter of pride that we are the only student organization with a million plus registered members and thousands of college committees across India. This indicates that we have been able to penetrate to the grass roots in our quest of involving the younger generation to the mainstream politics. NSUI draws its strength from the character, values and conduct of its members and there has been zero tolerance on issues of indiscipline. Through systematic and professional training each and every member is oriented and empowered to address student issues and lead the organization. We work closely with students and conduct nationwide programs for their betterment. Organizational systems have also been set in place to recognize talent and to identify quality leaders.

With an objective of addressing the aspirations of students and effectively communicating with them, NSUI is bringing out this monthly newsletter. This will be a platform for our members to share their views, showcase their activities and interact with the student community at large. I am confident that you will wholeheartedly welcome this initiative and contribute to its success.

The Foreign University Bill, 2010

The Foreign University (Regulation of entry and operations) bill has been introduced in the Lok Sabha by the MHRD.

This bill seeks to regulate the entry and operations of Foreign Education Provider who want to operate in India. As of now there is no bill that puts a regulation on the operation or entry of any foreign education provider in the country. If this bill gets passed, it will ensure a proper regulation for their entry and operation in the country.

The provisions mentioned in this bill lay down certain criteria that will ensure that Quality Foreign Institutions operate in India. There are few prerequisites for any foreign educational providers, according to this bill if they want to operate in India. Key points of the bill:

1. According to this bill, a “foreign educational institution” is defined as any institution established outside India, which has been offering educational services for a minimum of 20 years and proposes to offer courses which shall be taught through conventional teaching methods (including classroom teaching). This excludes distance education (offered independently or through collaboration, partnership or twinning arrangement).

1. Every foreign institution intending to operate in India has to be notified as a foreign educational provider by the central government on the recommendation of the Registrar (Secretary of UGC) in the prescribed manner. The application has to be endorsed by the High Commission of that country in India. An existing institution has to apply within six months of the Act coming into force.

1. The foreign university has to maintain a corpus fund of a minimum of Rs 50 crore. Maximum of 75% of any income generated from the fund shall be utilized for developing the institution in India and the rest should be reinvested in the fund..

1. The programme of study offered by the foreign university has to conform to standards laid down by the statutory authority (such as UGC, AICTE, Bar Council of India) and the quality in terms of curriculum, methods of teaching and faculty is comparable to that offered to students in the main campus.

1. Every foreign institution has to publish a prospectus 60 days prior to admission which shall include information about fees, amount of fees refundable, approved number of seats, conditions of eligibility, and details of teaching faculty.

1. The central government, based on the recommendation of the UGC, may withdraw recognition in case a foreign educational provider violates any provision of the regulations. The management, teacher, students or parents may make representation against the proposed withdrawal. Any surplus in revenue generated in India by the foreign university has to be invested in the development of the educational institution established by it in India.

1. There are penalties for unfair practises. Any person who offers admission to an unrecognised institution or makes misleading advertisement shall be liable to a minimum fine of Rs 10 lakh (upto Rs 50 lakh) in addition to refunding the fees collected. Any recognised foreign institution that violates the law shall be liable to a fine between Rs 10 and 50 lakh and forfeiture of the corpus fund.

1. There are provisions that allow the government to give certain relaxations to the foreign Universities.

Presently, foreign institutions are allowed to operate in India through various modes. Universities can sign MoUs with foreign universities without prior approval of state or central government or UGC. This Bill allows foreign universities to set up branch campuses without an Indian partner. Experts say that it would increase choices for students, enhance competition in the sector with potential for qualitative improvement in the Indian educational institutions, provide technical skills for the job market and retain some of the funds that flow overseas. Every year thousands of students go abroad to pursue education in the foreign universities. With foreign universities opening up their campuses in India, these students will have the chance to do the same study in India.

This would give a chance to stop billions of rupees going out of the country every year.

The Bill was referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education for its suggestions and recommendations. The cabinet awaits the standing committee’s recommendation.

NSUI appreciates the efforts of the Central government in coming out with legislations that are envisaged at creating educational opportunities in the country. We would seek your opinion on the bill so that a larger understanding is built on this bill.