Uttar Pradesh Promulgates Ordinance to Amend Private Universities Act, Facilitating New University Establishment

The Governor of Uttar Pradesh recently promulgated The Uttar Pradesh Private Universities (Fourth Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, identified as U.P. Ordinance No. 12 of 2025. This legislative instrument, dated Lucknow, October 17, 2025, was issued in pursuance of clause (3) of Article 348 of the Constitution of India, with its English translation ordered for publication. The promulgation occurred as the State Legislature was not in session, and the Governor was satisfied that circumstances necessitated immediate action. The Ordinance, which came into force upon its promulgation and publication, further amends the Uttar Pradesh Private Universities Act, 2019, referred to as the principal Act. A key provision of this amendment involves the insertion of a new entry, serial number 51, into Schedule 2 of the principal Act. This new entry officially recognizes "K. D. University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh," specifying "Rajiv Memorial Academic Welfare Society, Mathura" as its sponsoring body. The Uchcha Shiksha Anubhag-1 is administratively concerned with this Ordinance.

The legislative intent behind this Ordinance is to streamline and facilitate the establishment of new private universities within the state, particularly addressing potential administrative or legal hurdles that might arise during their initial setup. By amending the principal Act, the Ordinance aims to integrate K. D. University into the existing statutory framework governing private higher education in Uttar Pradesh. A significant aspect of this Ordinance is the conferment of power upon the State Government to address and remove difficulties encountered during the establishment of K. D. University. The legislation provided: “The State Government may for the purposes of removing any difficulty in relation to the establishment of K. D. University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh by order published in the Gazette direct that the provisions of the principal Act shall during such period, as may be specified in the order, have effect subject to such adaptations, whether by way of modification, addition or omission, as it may deem necessary or expedient”. This provision allows for necessary adaptations, such as modifications, additions, or omissions, to the principal Act's provisions to ensure the smooth functioning of the new university. However, this power is time-bound, stipulating that no such order can be made after two years from the commencement of the Ordinance. Furthermore, any order issued under this provision must be laid before both Houses of the State Legislature as soon as practicable after its issuance, ensuring legislative oversight. This mechanism aims to bridge any statutory gaps or limitations that might impede the operationalization of the newly recognized university, thereby promoting the expansion of higher education opportunities in the state.

Keywords: Uttar Pradesh, Private Universities, Ordinance, K. D. University, Education, Amendment, Higher Education, Legislative Update, Mathura

Geo Tags: India, Uttar Pradesh District: Mathura