In three states, the existing state universities will be taken over by the Centre and converted into central universities. These are: Dr Hari Singh Gaur University at Sagar in Madhya Pradesh, Guru Ghasidas University at Bilaspur in Chhattisgarh and Goa University.

Singh said the locations of all the new institutes have been decided keeping in mind the connectivity and the infrastructure facilities. Asked if the decision was based on “political considerations”, Singh replied: “The government has decided on them after taking everything into consideration.”

Meanwhile, with the issue of OBC quota in premier institutions like the IITs and IIMs stuck in the Supreme Court, Singh hoped for a positive outcome. “Please pray for it,” he said, when asked whether the OBC reservation would come into force from the coming academic session. The apex court has reserved its verdict on the issue.

“We should be able to convince the Supreme Court on what India wants, and efforts in this regard have to be pursued with dedication,” he said.