Haryana Assembly Amends Private Universities Law to Tighten its Grip
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the education sector, the Haryana Legislative Assembly has passed the Haryana Private Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2025, granting the state government enhanced regulatory powers over private universities. The bill, introduced by State Higher Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda on December 19, 2025, was published in the gazette on December 17, 2025, and passed on December 22, 2025.
The amendments aim to strengthen oversight and accountability in private universities, particularly in the wake of allegations against Al-Falah University. The bill's Statement of Objects and Reasons emphasizes the need to review the principal Act to strengthen oversight, while Minister Dhanda has stated that the amendments will enable the dissolution of university management and the appointment of administrators in cases where the government feels that university autonomy has been compromised.
Under the new provisions, the state government will have the power to conduct inquiries into contraventions, issue show-cause notices with a 7-day reply period, and appoint administrators for up to three years if the government is not satisfied with the university's response. The government will also be able to cancel course permissions post-inquiry and impose a minimum penalty of Rs 10 lakh for illegal activities.
The amendments directly target issues at Al-Falah University, which has been under scrutiny for alleged facilitation of irregular activities. Sources describe the bill as outlining "stringent measures" to tighten government control, with special powers exercisable "in certain circumstances," potentially impacting university autonomy.
The implications of the amendments are far-reaching. Private universities will face heightened state oversight, with the potential for management dissolution, 3-year administrator control, enrollment halts, course cancellations, Rs 10 lakh fines, and annual audits. Students face risks of disrupted admissions or academic continuity unless government-approved, though provisions allow fresh enrollments in public interest with recorded reasons. University sponsors/management will lose control during inquiries, with direct impact on institutions like Al-Falah under scanner.
The amendments have been welcomed by some as a move to ensure accountability and prevent lapses, but others see it as a bid to exert state control over private institutions. The impact on private higher education investments in Haryana remains uncertain, but the amendments are likely to have a chilling effect.
The Haryana Private Universities Act, 2006, established the framework for private universities in the state, but lacked provisions for direct government takeover of management or halting enrollments without authorization. The bill arises from scrutiny of Al-Falah University, allegedly involved in facilitating unspecified irregular acts, prompting the need for stronger enforcement tools like audits and penalties not previously available.
As the amendments come into effect, private universities will have to adapt to the new regulatory landscape. While the government's intentions may be to ensure accountability and prevent lapses, the implications for university autonomy and student interests remain a concern. The impact on the sector as a whole will only become clear in time, but one thing is certain: the Haryana government has tightened its grip on private universities in the state.
Timeline: December 17, 2025: Haryana Private Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2025, published in the gazette (Bill No. 37-HLA of 2025). December 19, 2025: Bill introduced by State Higher Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda. December 22, 2025: Bill passed by the Haryana Legislative Assembly.
Key Provisions: Government inquiry into contraventions via a committee of up to five persons. Issuance of a show-cause notice with a 7-day reply period. Appointment of an administrator for up to 3 years if unsatisfied. Prohibition on first student enrollment without government authorization. Authority to cancel course permissions post-inquiry. Minimum penalty of Rs 10 lakh for illegal activities. Mandatory annual academic/administrative audits by the Higher Education Department.
📰 Source: The Hindu - National
