The government acknowledged that the proposed law for education oversight gives the education ministry the power to fund institutions. This is a shift from its own National Education Policy (NEP), which suggested creating a separate body for this purpose. NEP 2020 proposed a higher education commission with four divisions, including a Higher Education Grants Council (HEGC).
Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhisthan Bill Departs from NEP
However, the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhisthan (VBSA) Bill, introduced in the Lok Sabha on Monday, shows three councils to oversee regulation, accreditation, and standards setting. It also gives the education ministry control over grant disbursement to institutions.
A government official defended the bill, saying the idea of a single funding agency under the NEP no longer makes sense, given the variety of funding sources. The official pointed to the establishment of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) in 2023, which funds scientific and technical research in institutions. The HEGC was also intended to fund research.
Federation Oppose the Bill Provision
“The NEP says there must single funding agency, but a separate research funding agency set up already. Many corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds are going to institutions. Funding has become a broad area, requiring a change in the funding system,” the official explained.
The Federation of Central Universities Teachers’ Association opposed this provision, arguing it could lead to more interference from the education ministry in higher education institutions.
The official noted that the bill includes a provision for state government representation in the three councils under the VBSA, which aim to replace the University Grants Commission, the All India Council for Technical Education, and the National Council for Teacher Education. The current regulators lack state representation.
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