Uttar Pradesh Governor Promulgates Ordinance to Amend Private Universities Act

The Uttar Pradesh Private Universities (Fifth Amendment) Ordinance, 2025 (U.P. Ordinance No. 13 of 2025) was promulgated by the Governor of Uttar Pradesh on October 24, 2025. This legislative instrument, issued in the seventy-sixth year of the Republic of India, serves to further amend the Uttar Pradesh Private Universities Act, 2019. The promulgation of this Ordinance occurred because the State Legislature was not in session, and the Governor was satisfied that circumstances necessitated immediate action. The Ordinance primarily introduced a significant change to Schedule 2 of the principal Act, which enumerates private universities recognized under the law. Specifically, it inserted a new entry at serial number 52, formally recognizing "Radha Govind University, Chandausi, Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh," with "Sonal Educational Society, Sonai, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh" identified as its sponsoring body. The legislation came into force immediately upon its promulgation by the Governor.

The legislative intent behind the Ordinance was to facilitate the formal establishment and recognition of new private educational institutions within the state's regulatory framework. The existing legal position was governed by the Uttar Pradesh Private Universities Act, 2019, which provides the statutory structure for the establishment, incorporation, and regulation of private universities in Uttar Pradesh. The Ordinance addressed the need to update this framework by formally incorporating newly established or recognized universities into Schedule 2 of the principal Act. The legislation provided: “WHEREAS the State Legislature is not in session and the Governor is satisfied that circumstances exist which render it necessary for him to take immediate action;” This statement underscores the immediate policy rationale for bypassing the usual legislative process to ensure timely integration of the new university. Furthermore, the Ordinance included a "Power to remove difficulties" clause, which empowers the State Government to issue orders for adapting the principal Act's provisions to facilitate the establishment of Radha Govind University. Such orders, which may involve modifications, additions, or omissions to the Act, must be published in the Official Gazette and are valid for a specified period, though no such order can be made after two years from the Ordinance's commencement. Any order made under this provision must be laid before both Houses of the State Legislature, ensuring legislative oversight. This mechanism ensures that any unforeseen issues during the university's establishment can be promptly addressed, while also providing a check on executive power and a clear statutory timeline for such interventions. The amendment to Schedule 2 directly impacts the regulatory oversight and operational framework for private universities in Uttar Pradesh, ensuring that new institutions are properly integrated into the state's higher education system.

Keywords: Uttar Pradesh, Private Universities, Ordinance, Education Law, Radha Govind University, Sonal Educational Society, Legislative Amendment, Higher Education, India
Geo Tags: India, Uttar Pradesh
District: Sambhal, Mathura