Tamil Nadu Universities Bill: TN Govt to Revisit Private University Amendments After Protests

Tamil Nadu is set to reconsider the Private Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2025, after Chief Minister M.K. Stalin directed a fresh review, following widespread protests from political parties and teachers’ associations.

The revision move comes in response to concerns that the Bill may weaken accessibility and affordability in the state’s higher education ecosystem.

Who Opposed the Bill and Why?

Opposition parties including AIADMK, the DMK ally CPI, and the Association of University Teachers (AUT) strongly objected to provisions that could allow existing private or government-aided colleges to transform into “Brownfield Universities.”
Critics argue such changes may:

• Shift focus from public education support

• Escalate tuition costs for students

• Reduce equal opportunity in admissions

Key Provisions Under Scrutiny

The Amendment Bill seeks to:

• Create a new category of minority private universities, eligible under Article 30 (rights of linguistic & religious minorities)

• Reduce minimum land requirements for establishing new universities, especially in urban areas where land is both scarce and expensive

Supporters believe these changes can simplify approvals and help strong educational institutions grow into full-fledged universities.

Government’s Stand: “No Compromise on Social Justice”

State Higher Education Minister Govi Chezhiyan defended the intent behind the Bill, saying the government aims to expand higher education without weakening student rights or equity safeguards.

He reaffirmed:

• Reservation policies will remain fully enforced

• No university violating equity rules has been approved in Tamil Nadu

• Legal protections for students, teachers, and non-teaching staff will continue

Chezhiyan highlighted Tamil Nadu’s highest higher-education enrolment rate in India — and the need to modernize regulations to support further growth.

Next Step: Expert Consultation

The Chief Minister has asked officials to gather feedback from:

✔ Educationists
✔ Stakeholders
✔ Policy experts

before moving ahead with further legislative action.