US seeks clarity on Foreign Universities Bill in India

The United States foresees tremendous progress in the field of higher education in Indian and hence, is looking forward to the passage of the Foreign Universities Bill in India.

According to Mr. Suresh Kumar, Assistant Secretary for Trade Promotion and Director General, U.S. Foreign Commercial Service in the U.S. Commerce Department, "Union HRD Minister Kapil Sibal informs me this Bill is likely to passed in Parliament this year. We are hopeful it is the case and we look forward to the passage."  Mr. Kumar is leading a team of 21 U.S. universities to India.

Foreign Universites Bill in India will bring about clarity on rules and structures about how US institutions can engage with Indian institutions. It will refer to fee structure and different business models for both profit and non-profit institutions, which will help in attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in higher education to India.

Since India aims to triple its higher education enrolment ratio by 2020, US institutions see tremendous opportunities in the country. They can help India is builing necessary education-related infrastructure, impart skills for educated, and engage in curriculum design and faculty development to offering joint degree programmes and research collaborations.

US colleges are looking forward to enrol more Indian students in their undergraduate courses. At present, 1,27,000 Chinese students are enrolled in US institutions at undergraduate level  as against 1,05,000 Indian students.

Source: Ruchi Shrimali (Shiksha Team)