Haryana Assembly passes bill to tighten rules for private universities

The Haryana Assembly cleared an amendment to the Haryana Private Universities Act, 2006, on Dec 22, introducing a formal process for dissolving private universities, appointing administrators, and requiring prior government approval for launching new academic programs.

The Haryana Private Universities Amendment Bill, 2025, was passed on the final day of the three-day winter session.

The changes follow controversy involving Al Falah University in Faridabad, where several faculty members came under the scanner of investigating agencies in connection with the Red Fort blast that killed at least 15 people.

The Delhi Police registered two separate FIRs against the university after concerns were flagged by the University Grants Commission and the National Assessment and Accreditation Council.

The cases, filed by the Crime Branch, relate to alleged cheating and forgery linked to false accreditation claims.

According to the statement of Objects and Reasons, a review of the Act showed that multiple provisions required revision to streamline procedures, including Sections 34A, 34B, 44, 44A, and 46.

In particular, the statement noted gaps in the law related to university closure and administrative control.

In Section 44 and 44 A, no procedure has been prescribed for dissolution of the university and appointment of an administrator in the university.

“Accordingly, it needs to be modified, and a new Section 44B needs to be inserted to streamline the procedure for dissolution of the University and appointment of Administrator in the University by way of amendment,” it said.

“Further, the provisions of the Section 46 also need to be streamlined, so that the provisions may be broadened in the public interest and the same may be better clarified,” it added.

The amendment also seeks to tighten oversight over academic expansion.

The statement said some private universities had introduced new courses, increased student intake, or altered course titles without prior state government approval by misusing Sub Section 3 of Section 34A.

The provision is now being modified to prevent such practices.

Alongside the amendments, the Assembly also considered a proposal to establish a new institution titled the University of Design, Innovation, and Technology in Gurugram, aimed at expanding higher education opportunities for youth in the state.

In addition to this legislation, seven other Bills were taken up and passed on the concluding day of the session.