UP govt defends draft ordinance on private varsities

Deputy chief minister Dinesh Sharma, who is also the state minister for higher and secondary education, said the draft ordinance announced on Tuesday, promoted unity and integrity.

The Uttar Pradesh government defended on Wednesday a draft ordinance that asked private universities to ensure their campuses weren’t used for “anti-national activity” even as the Opposition alleged the decision foisted” right-wing ideology on educational institutions and universities said there was nothing new in the move.

The Uttar Pradesh Private Universities Association has welcomed the government billbut said there was nothing new in it. (HT File Photo used for representation)

Deputy chief minister Dinesh Sharma, who is also the state minister for higher and secondary education, said the draft ordinance announced on Tuesday, promoted unity and integrity. He said the government had received complaints of “anti-national activities” at some universities that could caused a “disturbance” in the state.

“Anything that harms the unity and integrity of the country will not be allowed. We have come to unite the country and are committed to checking such activities,” he said.

The Uttar Pradesh Private Universities Association has welcomed the order but said there was nothing new.