Supreme Court to consider fate of Deemed Universities

New Delhi: What will happen to the 44 deemed universities that have been declared unfit by the government?  The Supreme Court will consider the issue today.

Last week, 44 deemed universities were blacklisted by the government after a committee said they function like "family fiefdoms." Many deemed universities are run by politicians and get the prized "deemed" status based on political connections rather than merit.

Deemed universities are entitled to autonomy in deciding their fees, syllabus and other matters.

14 of the 44 unfit universities are from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.  The government's blacklisting of these universities was followed by huge protests in Tamil Nadu.  Minister for Human Resources Development, Kapil Sibal, had reassured students that they have nothing to worry about, and that their degrees will be valid,  since they will  be affiliated to state universities.