12 May : Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM) organized a seminar for opinion formulation on Foreign Educational Institutions (Regulation of Entry and Operations) Bill, 2010 proposed for introduction in parliament.
Sh.Tikshan Sood, Hon’ble Minister Medical Education and Research,Punjab was the chief guest on the occasion. While speaking on the issue he strongly opined that the Bill is being mooted by the central government at the behest of international business lobby and is not motivated by public interest. He said the central government is attempting to expose education sector for exploitation and is nothing else but commercialization of education.
Prof. Rajinder Bhandari, Vice-Chairman, Punjab State Planning Board, said the proposed bill is neither in public interest nor in national interest. He added that it shall disturb the existing educational set up and the impact is unpredictable. He asserted that central government should outline the quantum of privatization and globalization.
While participating in the seminar, Dr. Rajneesh Arora, Vice-Chancellor, Punjab Technical University apprehended that only third grade foreign universities shall express their interest in establishing in India and no elevation of standards of education shall take place. He stated that the need of hour is to strengthen the existing universities and institutional set up.
Dr.K.N.Pathak, ex- Vice-Chancellor, Panjab University, said that in many foreign countries population growth rate is negative, financial condition of these institutions is deteriorating and the interest of youth to purse higher education is retarding. This is the reason for these foreign universities for aiming at India which is seen as lucrative destination due to its population size.
Mr. Umesh Dutt, National Secretary, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) was anecdote speaker. The seminar was attended by Dr.Suresh Tandon, Vice-Chairman, Pb. School Education Board, Dr.Ashok Chitkara, Chancellor, Chitkara University, Sh. Dhirender Tayal , Senator PU Dr.Baltej Singh Mann, Head, National Integration Chair, Punjabi University,Sh.Krishan Sharma, Zonal Convenor, SJM academicians, educationists,students, lawyers, jurists, sociologists and eminent personalities from various walks of life.