Kolkata: The state govt will not issue no-objection certificates (NOCs) to new private higher educational institutions for the next two years. Existing private colleges will undergo a comprehensive inspection of their infrastructure, fee structures and overall eligibility to continue operations.Chief minister Suvendu Adhikari, speaking after a meeting at Bikash Bhavan, said the govt would link the renewal of NOCs for private institutions to their compliance with the prescribed standards.“We will not let education become a commodity. Our aim is to modernise the education system so that students do not have to depend on private education. We will conduct an assessment to find out whether these institutions are eligible to operate. If their infrastructure and fees are appropriate, they will receive an NOC,” he said.Officials said many of the private institutions to be inspected offer courses in law, engineering and teacher training. Concerns were raised during the meeting at Bikash Bhavan that many such colleges charge high fees despite lacking adequate infrastructure.Junior Union education minister Sukanta Majumder, who attended the meeting, said the CM made it clear that the state would not issue approvals for new private higher educational institutions in the next two years. “The state govt adopted this policy to strengthen the public education system,” he said.During the two-year period, govt teams will visit private colleges to verify whether they meet prescribed parameters for infrastructure, academic quality and fee structure. Institutions found lacking may be denied renewal of their NOCs.The higher education department also issued a notice on Monday for monitoring self-financed BEd colleges affiliated to Baba Saheb Ambedkar Education University.A senior official in the department said, “We are not against private institutions, but we are concerned about the way many such institutions are being run. If they have proper infrastructure and provide quality education that prepares students for the job market, they will definitely get their NOCs renewed. However, those who fail will lose it.”The review meeting also discussed funds utilisation by universities and increasing teaching hours in state-aided colleges. Majumder said, “Various officials from Delhi attended the meeting to discuss how the govt at the Centre and in the state can work hand-in-hand. Bengal’s people will see evidence and results of this collaboration.”Majumder said state universities are expected to receive funds under PM-USHA, a central scheme that aims to improve the quality, accessibility and equity of higher education in state-run institutions, soon after utilisation certificates are processed.
