The Bill was passed on December 12 during the one-day sitting of the Third Session of the Eleventh Sikkim Legislative Assembly
In the wake of growing concerns over irregularities in the functioning of private universities, the Sikkim government has passed the Sikkim Private Universities (Establishment & Regulation) Bill, 2025, aimed at enforcing stricter regulation of private higher education institutions in the state.
The move comes after widespread controversy over several private universities allegedly selling degrees in exchange for money.
In September 2025, the University Grants Commission (UGC) flagged 5 private universities in Sikkim for violating mandatory public disclosure norms, the highest per-capita figure in the country.
Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang said the Bill was passed on December 12 during the one-day sitting of the Third Session of the Eleventh Sikkim Legislative Assembly.
The Chief Minister said the bill makes it mandatory for private universities to operate only from the location where they are officially approved.
He said that all private universities must conduct compulsory offline examinations, and these examinations must be held within their own campuses.
He warned that any private university failing to follow these rules will be shut down.
The Chief Minister also announced that the lease period given to private universities will be extended from 33 years to 66 years.
He said this move will encourage universities to invest more, develop proper campuses, and contribute more effectively to the education sector in Sikkim.
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