Bangalore, Jun 19 (DHNS): The State Cabinet on Thursday gave its nod for setting up the first private university in the State, the Azim Premji University, that envisages creating a pool of teaching talents and offer specialised training for educators.  
 
 Briefing reporters after the Cabinet meeting, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Kumar said a Bill to set up the private university will be tabled and passed in the forthcoming Assembly session.

An Endowment Fund of Rs 25 crore will be deposited by the Azim Premji Foundation, the social arm of the IT major Wipro, for setting up the university.

As per the draft bill to be tabled in the Legislature, the university will not get any financial assistance or grant from the State government.

The university will provide teaching, training, research and development in the fields of elementary, secondary education, management and policy.

Besides, courses in education in science, social science, humanities and management will be also offered.

While the location of the university campus is yet to be finalised, the proposed Bill would empower the university to set up study centres across the country and abroad with the permission of the State government.

Higher Education Minister Aravind Limbavali said that the  governor will be the Visitor of the University.

The Visitor can call for records and issue necessary directions.

No role

Although the State government will have no role in the appointment of officers, it can intervene whenever cases related to mismanagement and maladministration are brought to its notice.

“If the government’s directions are not followed, then it can decide on winding up the university,” Limbavali warned.

The Board of Governors of the university will have two government representatives (secretaries in charge of education). The Board will have the power to decide on policy issues and approve budget.