Kerala relaxes approval norms for autonomous colleges to introduce courses, increase seats; opposition flags dilution of oversight

Kerala has relaxed approval requirements for autonomous aided and self-financing colleges to introduce new courses and increase student intake. Higher Education Minister Roji M John said the changes would reduce administrative delays and strengthen academic autonomy. However, opposition leader Pinarayi Vijayan has raised concerns over weakened regulatory oversight, reservation safeguards and the possible commercialisation of higher education.