New Delhi, Aug. 8 -- The Delhi cabinet on Friday approved a draft law to create a legal framework for setting up private universities in the Capital, proposing provisions that will allow "vertical campuses" suited to a land-constrained city, reserve 25% of seats for Delhi students and permit foreign higher education institutions to establish campuses in Delhi, among others. The Bill will be introduced in the Delhi Legislative Assembly for consideration next week during the ongoing session. The move assumes significance as Delhi currently does not have legislation governing the establishment of private universities, despite being a major higher education destination. Announcing the cabinet decision, education minister Ashish Sood said the legislation was aimed at reversing the long-standing trend of Delhi students leaving the city for higher education. "The Capital of India became the destination for students preparing for higher education, but not for pursuing higher education itself. While neighbouring states established world-class private universities, Delhi's students were compelled to leave. This legislation is not merely about establishing private universities, it is about ensuring that Delhi's youth receive world-class educational opportunities within their own city," Sood said. Recognising Delhi's limited availability of land, the proposed framework does not prescribe any minimum land or built-up area requirement, explained a senior official. "Instead of insisting upon large horizontal campuses, the legislation promotes a modern regulatory framework focused on academic quality, infrastructure adequacy, research capability, student facilities and governance standards. This enables the development of high-quality, vertical and urban campuses suited to a land-constrained city like Delhi," the official said. To be sure, the draft Bill requires sponsoring bodies to demonstrate lawful possession of land for at least 30 years and provide adequate academic infrastructure. Shared infrastructure arrangements will also be permitted....