The state cabinet on Tuesday approved the amendment in the rules for establishment of private skill universities on a permanent self-financing basis in Maharashtra

Mumbai: The state cabinet on Tuesday approved amendments in the rules for establishment of private skill universities on a permanent self-financing basis and issued guidelines.“Instead of making a separate Act for each university, a single law — Maharashtra Private Skill Universities (Establishment and Regulation) Act, 2024 — will be applicable to private skill universities on permanent self-financing basis to be established in the state. Accordingly, the rules regarding the proposal for establishment of the university, required land, required construction, and endowment fund were issued,” officials said.The Govt Resolution of 2021, which was issued to regulate the functioning and activities of these universities, will be withdrawn once the new guidelines come into force, officials said, adding that the sponsoring board seeking to establish a private skill university will have to submit a detailed project report, along with a Rs 1 crore application fee. “After issuing a letter of intent following the scrutiny committee’s recommendation and competent authority’s approval, the sponsoring board can submit a report on the implementation of the suggestions and recommendations to govt within one year,” officials said.In exceptional circumstances, govt may extend this period. However, a fee of Rs 50 lakh shall be charged for each subsequent year. Such extension shall be granted for a period of one year and a maximum of two times. Thereafter, the letter of intent of the sponsoring board shall automatically be cancelled. — Chaitanya MarpakwarThe land requirement for such universities will be 25 acres in rural areas, 15 acres at tehsil or district headquarters and 10 acres in urban areas, excluding Mumbai and Thane municipal areas. The institution should have a separate building with a construction area of at least 15,000 sq m. The construction area should be on land owned or available on a 30-year lease agreement basis; the land cannot be transferred. The university will have to establish an endowment fund of Rs 10 crore and should have a separate building of at least 15,000 sq m in Mumbai and Thane.