Kerala mulls setting up private universities

Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 2  Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said on Wednesday that the government will discuss whether it should set up private universities in Kerala.

"Kerala is the only state in the country that does not have a private university. In West Bengal, there are six and in Tripura there are two," he said, referring to the other two states where Communists are strong.

"We will discuss this issue with all concerned at several levels before a decision is arrived at," Chandy told reporters.

The Kerala State Higher Education Council wants private universities to come up in the state.

But Education Minister P.K. Abdu Rabb is opposed to private universities.

"This is my personal view and is not important because it is the state government which will take the final decision," said Rabb.

Chandy will now place a report submitted by the Council before the ruling United Democratic Front (UDF).