Panji, Sep 2 (TNN): Goa lacks a legislation that empowers the state to act against unauthorized private institutions of higher education.

But, the state government could turn towards a Maharashtra bill to model a law of its own on its lines that will allow authorities to penalize fake institutes, sources said.

The state has been hunting for a legislation based on which Goa can frame its own law, with the state directorate of higher education receiving many complaints of fake institutes setting up shop in the state.

Goa even explored the possibility of framing a law based on an act in existence in Jammu and Kashmir, but found it inadequate in provisions to fine offender institutes.

The state wants to prevent illegal institutes from setting up centres in Goa and also a provision that will enable them to be booked and punished for the offence.

"We are in the process of writing to a Maharashtra minister to forward the bill's content to Goa authorities for possible replication," a source said.

The Maharashtra bill enables the state government to initiate action against an institute or person for establishing or introducing unauthorized institutes or courses in Maharashtra.

Introducing such courses without the approval of All India Council for Technical (AICTE) will invite a fine between 1lakh and 5lakh and a maximum prison term of one year.

At present, there is no such mechanism to keep a check on private profit-making activities in the name of higher education, which misguide students with baits of easy degrees and lucrative job-placements.

The only measure that Goa has taken so far is to issue an advertisement in the newspapers before the beginning of each academic year to warn students against seeking admissions to private institutes without verifying if they are recognized, or, can issue valid degrees.