To establish a new private university in Punjab under the Punjab Private Universities Policy, 2010, an extensive and detailed set of procedures must be followed. This comprehensive step-by-step guide covers all aspects of the process, ensuring full compliance with regulations, transparency, and alignment with Punjab’s educational goals.

1. Eligibility and Preliminary Requirements

Sponsoring Body

• Entity Type:
  • Must be a registered society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860; a trust under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882; or a Section 8 company under the Companies Act, 2013.
  • The sponsoring body must have at least 10 years of continuous experience in the field of higher education. If not, it can form a long-term collaboration with another entity meeting this criterion, with clear documentation of shared responsibilities.
• Financial and Organizational Reputation:
  • Demonstrated financial capability, evidenced through audited financial statements for the last five years.
  • Minimum net worth requirements may apply based on the scale of the proposed university.
  • A history of sound governance practices, free from litigation related to educational mismanagement or financial fraud.

Land Ownership

• Minimum Land Requirement:
  • 25 contiguous acres of land in Punjab, or higher if required by central regulatory bodies like UGC, AICTE, or MCI.
• Clear Title and Encumbrances:
  • The land must be free from legal disputes, mortgages, or liens.
  • Documentation Required:
    • Registered sale deeds, intqal, jamabandi records, and CLU certificates.
    • In case of leased land (from government entities), the lease period should be at least 33 years with renewal provisions.
• Land Use Compliance:
  • Must comply with urban planning/zoning regulations. A Change of Land Use (CLU) certificate is mandatory where applicable.

Endowment Fund

• Minimum Requirement:
  • ₹3 crore for single-domain universities (e.g., engineering-only or law-only institutions).
  • ₹5 crore for multi-domain universities covering diverse disciplines.
• Fund Management:
  • Must be held as a perpetual deposit in a scheduled commercial bank.
  • The principal amount cannot be withdrawn; only the interest accrued can be used for development and operational sustainability.

Infrastructure Commitment

• Administrative Infrastructure:
  • 10,000 sq. m. minimum for administrative purposes, including offices for university officials, student service centers, and governance bodies.
• Academic Infrastructure:
  • 30,000 sq. m. for universities with engineering, medical, or arts & sciences programs.
  • 15,000 sq. m. for other domains (e.g., law, management).
  • Must include lecture halls, research labs, libraries, and IT-enabled classrooms.
• Residential Facilities:
  • Adequate hostel accommodation for at least 30% of the student population in the initial phase.
  • Residential quarters for faculty and essential staff.
  • Amenities: Sports complexes, health clinics, recreational centers, and common dining areas.

2. Submission of Proposal

Application Fee:

• A non-refundable application fee of ₹1,00,000 payable via demand draft to the Director of Public Instructions (Colleges), Punjab.

Project Report Components:

The proposal must be detailed and well-structured, containing the following sections:

A. Sponsoring Body Information:

• Legal documents: Registration certificates, bylaws, and details of the governance structure.
• Financial details:
  • Audited financial statements for the past five years.
  • Details of funding sources and planned financial strategies for university operations.

B. University Vision and Mission:

• Proposed university name, location, and long-term mission statement.
• Clear articulation of the academic philosophy, including plans for fostering research, innovation, and community engagement.

C. Infrastructure and Land Plans:

• Proof of land ownership with CLU certificates and other legal documents.
• Master Plan for campus development, including:
  • Phased construction plans for the next 5-10 years.
  • Detailed layouts for academic, administrative, and residential zones.
• Budget Allocation:
  • Detailed capital expenditure plans for land development, infrastructure, technology acquisition, etc.
  • Operational budgets covering faculty salaries, research funding, and maintenance.

D. Academic Programs and Faculty:

• List of proposed academic programs, their structure, duration, and admission criteria.
• Faculty recruitment plan detailing required qualifications, recruitment process, and faculty-student ratios.
• Plans for research centers, laboratories, and industry collaborations.

E. Market Feasibility:

• Demographic analysis of the region, showcasing demand for higher education.
• Analysis of competing institutions and justification for the new university.
• Projected enrollment figures for the first five years.

F. Regulatory Compliance:

• Documentation proving adherence to UGC, AICTE, and Punjab Higher Education Regulatory Authority (PSHERA) guidelines.
• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reports if required.

3. Evaluation of Proposal

Administrative Scrutiny:

• Department of Higher Education conducts a preliminary review to ensure all documents are complete and compliant with regulatory requirements.

Inspection by Evaluation Committee:

A Sub-Committee is constituted to conduct a detailed assessment.

Committee Composition:

• Chairperson: Administrative Secretary, Higher Education, Punjab.
• Core Members:
  • Chief Secretary, Government of Punjab.
  • Administrative Secretaries from:
    • Finance Department
    • Planning Department
    • Technical Education Department
    • Medical Education & Research Department
  • Vice Chancellors from:
    • Punjab University
    • Punjabi University
    • Guru Nanak Dev University
    • Punjab Technical University
    • Baba Farid University of Health Sciences
  • UGC Nominee and representatives from regulatory bodies like AICTE, MCI, PCI (as relevant).

Evaluation Criteria:

• Financial Viability:
  • Review of the sponsoring body’s assets, liabilities, and funding model.
• Demand Analysis:
  • Assessment of regional educational needs, employment trends, and industry demands.
• Regulatory Compliance:
  • Verification of compliance with state and national education policies.
• Social Impact:
  • The university’s potential to contribute to local development, employment generation, and skill enhancement.

On-Site Inspection:

• Verification of land, existing infrastructure, and proposed development plans.
• Interaction with key personnel from the sponsoring body.

4. Issuance of Letter of Intent (LOI)

Approval Process:

• After favorable evaluation, the proposal is forwarded to the Chief Minister or the Council of Ministers for final clearance.

LOI Conditions:

• Processing Fee: ₹10,00,000 payable at this stage.
• Infrastructure Development:
  • Compliance with approved master plans for campus infrastructure.
• Academic Standards:
  • Commitment to maintaining accreditation standards, faculty quality, and student support services.

Compliance Period:

• The sponsoring body is given two years to fulfill all LOI conditions.
• A one-year extension may be granted if significant progress is demonstrated.

5. Final Approval and Establishment

Compliance Verification:

• A follow-up inspection by the Evaluation Sub-Committee to verify infrastructure, faculty appointments, and operational readiness.

Legislative Approval:

• A bill is introduced in the Punjab Legislative Assembly to grant the university legal status.

UGC Recognition:

• Recognition under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act, 1956 is mandatory before the commencement of academic operations.

6. Operational Requirements

Self-Financed Model:

• The university must operate as a self-financed institution, with revenue from:
  • Tuition fees
  • Consultancy services
  • Endowments and donations
  • Research grants

Governance Structure:

• Governing Body:
  • Chairperson: Chancellor of the university.
  • Members: Vice-Chancellor, representatives from the sponsoring body, academic experts, UGC nominees, and a state government representative.
• Board of Management: Responsible for daily administration, academic affairs, and strategic decisions.
• Academic Council: Oversees curriculum design, faculty recruitment, research programs, and student development.

Student Welfare:

• 5% of seats reserved for economically weaker sections (EWS) with provisions for scholarships and fee waivers.
• Facilities for student counseling, career guidance, and mental health support.

7. Dissolution Conditions

Government Approval:

• The university can only be dissolved with prior approval from the Punjab government and proper public notice.

Repealing Act:

• Requires passing a repealing act by the Punjab Legislative Assembly to officially dissolve the university.

Asset and Liability Management:

• All assets and liabilities revert to the sponsoring body, with safeguards in place to protect the interests of students and staff.