Porvorim: Facing sharp criticism that it would open the door to unwanted private universities and weaken higher education standards, govt on Tuesday withdrew the Goa Private Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2026. Opposition members warned that relaxed norms could allow institutions to operate without basic infrastructure, alleging some promoters could end up “distributing certificates” without essentials such as a proper library.Chief minister Pramod Sawant told the House that the state’s existing three private universities would not fall under the proposed amendments. The opposition, however, insisted the Bill be referred to a select committee. Sawant said the govt would withdraw the Bill because it had two components.The Bill sought deregulation to make it easier to set up private universities by relaxing requirements related to a minimum 50,000sqm area, mandatory expenditure on infrastructure and library facilities, and the requirement of a permanent Rs 5 crore endowment fund. It also aimed to introduce provisions for appointing a vice-chancellor and pro-vice-chancellor in private universities in line with University Grants Commission regulations.Opposition leader Yuri Alemao said the Bill removed three key safeguards protecting students, calling the permanent endowment fund their “only financial safety net”. Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai said academic resources cannot be an afterthought if Goa wants universities, not “degree-distribution centres”. He asked what safeguards would remain if land, investment, library requirements and the Rs 5 crore endowment were removed. Quepem MLA Altone D’Costa urged govt to prioritise quality universities that invest in education.
