Introduction of Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill, 2025
The Central government introduced the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan (VBSA) Bill, 2025, proposing a comprehensive overhaul of India's higher education regulatory framework by replacing the University Grants Commission (UGC).
Opposition to the Bill
- Opposition MPs argued the Bill represents "executive overreach" and undermines federalism by imposing executive control over educational institutes.
- Concerns were raised about the Bill's Hindi nomenclature, perceived as an imposition on non-Hindi-speaking states.
- The Bill was criticized for being circulated to MPs late and not being included in the Parliament's business list until the afternoon of its introduction.
Proposal to Send Bill to Joint Parliamentary Committee
- Due to the extensive nature of the Bill, the government proposed it be sent to a Joint Parliamentary Committee for further deliberation.
Coordination Committee Against HECI
- The committee labeled the Bill as a "revived" version of the 2018 Higher Education Commission of India Bill, previously met with widespread disapproval.
- The Bill is viewed as a structural shift threatening public-funded higher education.
Key Provisions of the Bill
- Establishment of a 12-member VBSA umbrella commission to regulate education standards.
- Separation of UGC’s grants-disbursal power, transferring funding mechanisms to the Ministry of Education.
- The structure allows for institutes to raise their own finances, potentially prioritizing profit.
Criticism of Bill’s Structure
- Funding de-linkage from regulation could make grant allocation bureaucratic and politically influenced.
- The Union government has control over VBSA’s composition, with only two teacher representatives from state institutes, both centrally nominated.
Concerns on Autonomy and Federalism
- The Bill is seen as extending beyond setting standards, infringing on administrative, affiliation, and closure aspects of universities.
- It potentially undermines the autonomy of statutory regulatory bodies.
Language Concerns
- There is significant opposition concerning the Bill's Hindi nomenclature, which poses issues in non-Hindi-speaking states.
