The government today said the proposal for setting up of world class universities in 14 states is awaiting clearance by the Law ministry.

Replying to questions in the Rajya Sabha , Minister of State for Human Resource Development, D Purandeswari said the government is also planning to set up higher educational institutions in the 374 educationally backward blocks in the country.

Admitting that there has been 35 to 40 per cent shortage in the teaching community, the minister said the pay package offered to the teaching fraternity in the 6th Pay Commission is likely to attract more people. She said every year over one lakh students travel abroad to pursue higher studies.