NDA-ruled States and universities object to centralisation in Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill.
Several NDA-ruled states, including Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Meghalaya, along with central and state universities, have raised concerns over the centralizing provisions of the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan (VBSA) Bill, 2025. The Bill proposes to replace existing regulatory bodies like UGC, AICTE, and NCTE with a single apex body, the VBSA. Objections include limited state representation, potential for arbitrary interventions, and the subordination of the regulator to the executive. Critics warn that clauses empowering the Centre to issue binding policy directions and supersede the VBSA could turn an independent regulator into an arm of the government, leading to 'excessive centralisation' and 'constitutional friction.'
Key Points
- The Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan (VBSA) Bill, 2025, proposes to centralize higher education regulation by replacing UGC, AICTE, and NCTE with a single apex body.
- NDA-ruled states and various universities have objected to provisions that increase central government powers and limit state autonomy.
- Concerns include limited state representation in the regulatory council and the potential for arbitrary interventions by the Centre.
- Clauses 45 and 47 are particularly criticized for making the VBSA subordinate to the executive and allowing the Centre to supersede it.
- Telangana also raised concerns about the Bill's impact on fee regulation and the potential for 'constitutional friction.'
Exam Facts
- Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan (VBSA) Bill, 2025.
- Existing bodies to be replaced: UGC, AICTE, NCTE.
- Joint parliamentary committee headed by BJP MP D. Purandeswari.
- States objecting: Andhra Pradesh (Telugu Desam Party), Madhya Pradesh (BJP-ruled), Meghalaya (National People's Party).
- Specific clauses criticized: Clause 11 (bypassing state universities), Clause 45 (Centre's binding policy directions), Clause 47 (Centre's power to supersede VBSA).
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