The Tamil Nadu government has approved the setting up of six greenfield universities in the state, which will have freedom to offer any course and fix their own fees.

Saveetha and Jeppiaar are among the six universities that got permission to establish greenfield universities recently.

Officials said the greenfield university is nothing but a private university established under the Tamil Nadu Private Universities Act, 2019. Shiv Nadar University in Chennai, one of the first greenfield universities in the state, is already admitting students.While speaking at an event, higher education secretary D Karthikeyan, said, "We have a conducive atmosphere and there is great potential in the field of education."

The state government has established 31 new colleges in the past one year. "We recently conducted a survey along with guidance bureau throughout Tamil Nadu to know the requirements of industry. Instead of starting conventional courses, we are planning to start new courses based on local needs," Karthikeyan said. For example, Cuddalore, which has a SIPCOT industrial park, needs more chemistry graduates, he added.

Meanwhile, BEd counselling for government and government-aided colleges of education began on Wednesday. "For 2040 seats in 21 government and government-aided colleges of education, we have received 5,138 applications this year," Ponmudy said after handing over allotment orders to physically challenged candidates.

When asked about the protests of guest lecturers demanding regularisation, the minister said, the state government has decided to give weightage marks up to 15 marks for their work experience in government colleges while recruiting 4,000 assistant professors.