New Delhi: The Prime Minister has recently called for a major overhaul of the legal education system in the country to bring it in tune with the needs of the current socio-economic scenario. This information was given by Dr. M. Veerappa Moily, Minister of Law and Justice in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.

The Minister further informed the House that after wide consultations among various groups and universities, a report of the major recommendations was prepared and the following course of action has been decided:

1) To establish four national level institutions at the regional level as Centres of Excellence focused on research and up-gradation of faculty skills - these may be called Institutes of Advanced Legal Studies and Research.

2) There will be a National Law University established in every State as a school of excellence.

3) Each of the 913 existing law schools to be evaluated by an Empowered Committee and classified as per standards and needs for the purpose of upgrading such colleges and creating and providing opportunities to the students.

4) Public Private Participation model for law schools with specialized focus will be encouraged.

5) Autonomous colleges that will meet demanding accreditation standards will be encouraged.