DHAKA: The vice chancellors of private universities would be the presidents of the syndicates from now on - the finalized private university bill - 2010 that would be placed next Sunday in the parliament included this rule, said the sources from Education ministry.

The parliamentary standing committee on education has finalized the bill proposing increase of scope to construct private universities outside of Dhaka.

According to the proposed bill the University Grants Commission (UGC) would control the academic activities of the universities.

The sources confirmed that the bill would be passed at the running session of the parliament.

Education minister Nurul Islam Nahid told banglanews24.com.bd that the government would take necessary steps to stop education business through this bill. This government is committed to stop degree business in guise of establishing private university, he added.  

UGC chairman professor Nazrul Islam told banglanews24.com.bd that the vice chancellors, terming it as a big achievement, were proposed to make the syndicate presidents so that the private universities could function properly.

Aside from trusty board and government representatives, an acclaimed academician nominated by UGC would be in syndicate as a member. The administrative and academic control would be on the hand of the vice chancellor. The syndicate would ensure the transparency in university activities and help block secrecy, corruption and misrule, said the chairman on the bill.

The finalized draft of the bill has proposed waiver in land prices for the owner of new universities. The owner has to get one acre of own land within seven years for getting the permanent approval. But the rule would be followed for constructing universities only inside Dhaka and Chittagong.  

The proposed bill also incorporates allowance for the reserved fund of the private universities. It says, for establishing the university the university would have to have five crore Taka in their fund. For the universities outside Dhaka and Chittagong city, the amount would be Tk 3 crore and for the district level 1.5 crore Taka would have be deposited in the university account.

BDST: 2205 HRS. July 06, 2010