In a note submitted to the government for consideration, the commission said such a move could help provide guidance on the growth of private universities in the country in a manner that promote access, equity and quality education. These, suggestions formed part of the presentation made by the Planning Commission to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday. The roadmap for improving higher education includes setting up of 30 new central universities including 14 world class campuses in states which will provide land in attractive locations.

It also provides for establishment of 370 new colleges in districts where the gross enrolment ratio was low and strengthening of 6,000 colleges. The expansion plan for higher education includes setting up of three IITs, seven IIMs, 20 National Institute of Technologies and 20 Indian Institute of Information Technologies in various parts of the country.