New Delhi, March 16, 2010 (UCAN): The federal cabinet on Monday cleared a bill to allow overseas universities set up their campuses in India, which a Church official said was “long overdue.”

The draft Foreign Educational Institutions (Regulation of Entry and Operation) Bill, 2010, can now be introduced in Parliament. It seeks to allow foreign universities start campuses in India and offer degree courses.

“It is indeed a step in the right direction. It will open up opportunities for better quality education and better competition,” said Father Babu Joseph, spokesperson of the Catholic Church in India.

The bill, proposed four years ago, has been opposed mainly by leftwing parities which have objected to certain provisions. Last year, it was referred to a Committee of Secretaries, which modified the draft.

If it becomes a law, “it will help thousands of Indian students have international quality education without leaving India at a much cheaper fees,” Father Joseph said.

As many European universities also teach philosophy and theology as part of their multi-disciplinary curriculum the new move could help get recognition for courses of certain Religious formation houses, Father Joseph said.

The bill plans to give approval to foreign educational institutions within eight moths of application. They need to be registered with the University Grants Commission or other regulatory body that will have a check on their operations.

Education Minister Kapil Sibal has already said reservation policies will not be applicable to foreign universities setting up campuses in India.

Media hailed the new moves as the biggest reform Sibal plans to bring to Indian education.