The cabinet minister's nod to establish a special university
for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs)
has brought a great solace for Indian Diaspora.
Several factors are there contributing to the popularity of university
to be set up under the supervision of the ministry of overseas
Indian affairs (MOIA). First, the university promises an affordable
education for Diaspora children and two, it offers great prospect
for NRI investments.
Moreover, many business houses and trusts can also avail the
same benefits. MOIA has finalized the policy to establish a "PIO
University", spread over 100 hectares, in a special economy zone
(SEZ) in the country. The University will conform to the UGC,
AICTE, MCE standards but will be fully self-sufficient.
All the important decision including the faculty selection,
syllabus, financial matters, fee structure will be taken by the
management of university. Initially, courses like medicine, engineering,
dentistry, business administration, IT, bio-tech will be included.
Additional courses will be added depending on future demand. In
2000, a high level committee on Indian Diaspora appointed by the
government suggested the establishment of a new university and
professional institution.
The education in the Gulf Nations is extremely prohibitive which
is why the children of NRIs there find it difficult to learn quality
education at affordable rates. They then need to struggle hard
to get the admission in the 'NRI Quota'.
There are a number of NRIs who have had to put their career at
stake and return to roots for their children higher education
as they cannot afford it in their host countries. Considering
the same, the ministry has decided to set up a university exclusively
for NRIs and PIOs. The university will also have Indian students.
