Has the Maha government approved five foreign universities to set up campuses in Navi Mumbai?

Mumbai, June 15 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, along with Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, has issued Letters of Intent (LOIs) to five prestigious global universities to set up their campuses in the state. This initiative is part of the 'Mumbai Rising – Creating an International Education City' campaign.

The five renowned institutions include the University of Aberdeen from Scotland, University of York from England, The University of Western Australia, Illinois Institute of Technology from Chicago, and Istituto Europeo di Design from Milan. This development positions Mumbai/Navi Mumbai as the inaugural hub for international universities in India, as stated by the government on Saturday.

Chief Minister Fadnavis described this move as a groundbreaking step towards bolstering international cooperation in the Indian higher education landscape, in line with the National Education Policy, 2020. He remarked, "This is the first instance where 'Letters of Intent' have been granted to five foreign universities to establish campuses in Mumbai, marking a significant milestone on the global educational map for the city."

He elaborated, "Maharashtra and Mumbai have long envisioned becoming global education centers. This aspiration led to the creation of the concept of 'EduCity'. With the support of the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) and the Urban Development Department, land for this EduCity has been secured near the Navi Mumbai airport swiftly. The Atal Setu connects this EduCity to South Mumbai in just half an hour. Furthermore, we are also developing a MediCity, Sports City, and Innovation City, which will foster a vibrant ecosystem of innovation, nurturing the next generation of technology and creativity. The proximity of these five universities to the Innovation City will cultivate a unique and thriving ecosystem," he stated.

Fadnavis emphasized, "The presence of these international universities will benefit not only Indian students but also international students studying in India, granting them access to world-class education locally. This initiative makes it possible for many students who previously could not afford to study abroad due to financial constraints to access global education at more affordable rates. An entire ecosystem has been established here, ensuring that no student is deprived of exceptional education. No dreams will remain unfulfilled; they will be realized here."

Fadnavis continued, "Today, five international universities have received 'Letters of Intent' within this EduCity, but our journey does not end here. With the backing of the Union Education Minister and the University Grants Commission, we aim to create the most extensive ecosystem of international universities right here in Navi Mumbai. The Sanskrit phrase 'Sa Vidya Ya Vimuktaye' means that knowledge liberates. Through these universities, we are not merely delivering education; we are unlocking opportunities, dreams, and futures for all. India will transition from being a consumer of global education to becoming a co-creator of the global future."

Union Minister Pradhan remarked to reporters that India is becoming a prominent destination for knowledge and education.

"To date, nine elite foreign universities have set foot in India, including the five that received LOIs today. Six more are in the pipeline to establish their campuses here. This means that about 15 global universities, ranked among the top 500, will be present in the country. Per the global QS rankings, only these elite institutions can apply to set up their campuses in India. We are not sponsoring them; we are facilitating their establishment as CIDCO has done in Navi Mumbai," he clarified.

He added, "India, being a youthful nation, aims to enhance accessibility and affordability in higher education through the New Education Policy. With these five universities, Navi Mumbai will not just be an Edu City, Medi City, or Aero City, but it will evolve into an Innovation City as well, becoming a hub for innovation."

Pradhan asserted that the state government is committed to further developing education, aiming for India to emerge as Viksit Bharat.

When questioned about the criteria for selecting foreign universities, Fadnavis explained, "There are no strict criteria; it is about the diverse fields they cover. We prefer institutions based on their rankings. We will not open our doors to just any institution; the Union and Maharashtra governments are clear on this. We seek only quality higher education."

He mentioned that discussions are ongoing with five additional universities, but he is not at liberty to disclose their names yet.

Pradhan added that these global institutions would decide on faculty appointments.

Fadnavis noted a recent collaboration between Gadchiroli-based Gondwana University and Western Australia University, recognized as a leading institution in the mining field.

"This partnership is significant as our next mining destination is Gadchiroli. Under the National Education Policy, our universities can also collaborate with global universities, and they too can establish campuses globally. Several of our universities are already expanding internationally," he stated.

Pradhan highlighted that institutions like IIT Madras have ventured to South Africa, IIT Delhi to Abu Dhabi, and IIM Ahmedabad and IIFT to Dubai. Maharashtra's prestigious Symbiosis International University has also opened a campus in Dubai. While other nations may sponsor Indian educational institutions abroad, we are solely facilitating their establishment here.

He clarified that foreign universities will operate under their own governance policies.

Fadnavis concluded by stating that students enrolled in these universities will not receive financial aid but will access the same quality of education at a reduced cost in India, which would otherwise be three to four times higher if they pursued their studies abroad.