Chandigarh: The Punjab Higher Education Department has approved a new policy that allows private players to set up digital open universities in the state, giving students the option to complete degree courses entirely through online education from their homes.
With this move, Punjab has joined Kerala as one of the few states in the country to formally permit private participation in digital higher education.
The Punjab Private Digital Open Universities Policy was notified on January 15. Higher Education Administrative Secretary Anindita Mitra said the aim of the policy is to expand access to higher education through digital, online, distance and open modes of learning. The policy also focuses on encouraging research and innovation through technology-based systems.
Under the framework, approved digital universities will be allowed to run undergraduate, postgraduate and professional programmes. Classes will be conducted through online platforms using digital assessments, virtual laboratories and other technology tools to ensure continuous interaction between teachers and students.
The policy sets strict eligibility conditions for private applicants. Institutions must have at least five years of proven experience in online education and must maintain a corpus fund of Rs 20 crore. A processing fee of Rs 5 lakh will be required at the time of application, followed by a further payment of Rs 20 lakh after government approval.
To protect the interests of local students, the government has made it mandatory that at least 15 percent of seats be reserved for Punjab domicile candidates. The state also retains the power to impose penalties of up to Rs 25 lakh on institutions found violating UGC or other regulatory norms.
Although these digital universities will be permitted to establish physical offices, these premises will be used only for administrative purposes. Teaching activities will not be allowed on campus under the policy.