A number of Canadian Universities and colleges are ready to enter India, with the purpose of establishing independent campuses in the country. It has become possible, because a proposal has been cleared by the Indian Cabinet to permit foreign Universities to set their campuses in India.
Husain Neemuchwala of the Canada-India Business Council Education Committee indicated that along with Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce and the Canada-India Business Council, they are asking Canadian universities to set up their campuses in India.
At present, there are 26 collaborative projects with local universities and colleges in India, run by Universities and colleges from Canada and the USA. However, due to visa problem and other hindrances, not more than 4000 Indian students go to Canadian Universities and colleges per year, in comparison with the USA (80,000), the UK (50,000) and Australia (40,000).
Marking the proposed Bill as a ‘welcome step’, Husain added that it has erased all the barriers and now, Canadian Universities will enter India to conduct world-class education.
Moreover, Husain said that there are few Canadian Universities and colleges already working in India, for example, the Toronto-based York University. It has just initiated its Schulich MBA program in India, by collaborating with S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research, Mumbai. The students will study the first year of the course in Mumbai, while the second year will be completed by them in Toronto.
Speaking in tune with Husain, Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister Kapil Sibal said, after a Cabinet meeting headed by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, that it is great to have passed such a proposal which might increase global competition and standard quality of education.
Several Canadian Universities and colleges (like Sheridan, Pickering and Quest) are seeking agreements with Indian Universities and research institutions. This was due to the last week visit of President and Vice Chancellor of Carleton University, Roseann O'Reilly Runte. She said that the time has come to increase greater expertise in the Indo-Canada relationship, because India has been one of the key players in the global stage.
