Chennai: The Tamil Nadu government has decided to withdraw the Private University Bill passed in the Assembly earlier this month, following strong opposition from academics, political leaders, and student groups.

According to official sources, the withdrawal aims to make further amendments — particularly to reduce the minimum land requirement for establishing private universities. The bill, passed on October 17, stipulated 25 acres in corporation areas, 30 acres in municipal and township limits, and 50 acres in rural areas.

During the Assembly debate, AIADMK MLA and former Higher Education Minister K.P. Anbazhagan and CPI(M) MLA Nagai Mali opposed the bill, expressing concern that it would lead to private dominance in higher education, fee hikes, and weakened reservation policies.

DMK MLA Inigo Irudayaraj, Congress MLA Selvaperunthagai, and CMD MLA Eashwaran had urged that the land norms be relaxed further. Responding, Higher Education Minister Kovi Chezhiyan said the bill aimed to promote higher education and research and assured that government-aided colleges would be protected. He also announced that the land requirement for rural areas would be reduced from 50 to 45 acres.

However, the change was not reflected in the bill's text, causing confusion. Following sustained objections from legislators and academic circles, the government has chosen to withdraw the legislation for review and revision.