Kerala will soon introduce a law to regulate the burgeoning industry of educational consultancy services. The government has finalised a draft Bill recommended by an expert committee. The proposed legislation is likely to be tabled during the upcoming Budget session of the Assembly.
The absence of a regulatory mechanism has paved the way for unbridled growth of the education consultancy market, including study abroad consultants, with several higher education aspirants falling prey to exploitation.
Unofficial estimates have recorded an increase in the number of students being lured by attractive opportunities to study and settle abroad. However, several youngsters have fallen victim to rackets that thrive on offering admissions in institutions abroad using forged admission letters, bogus visas, and other documents. There have also been complaints regarding substandard institutions in other States, including Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, that have duped students through agents in Kerala.
