Kerala Minister urges MPs to oppose Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhisthan Bill, citing centralisation risks
Kerala Higher Education Minister Roji M. John has appealed to all MPs from the State to oppose the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhisthan (VBSA) Bill, 2025. He argues that the Bill centralises control over higher education, weakens the constitutional role of States, and threatens institutional autonomy. Mr. John contended that Clause 49 of the proposed law would allow it to override inconsistent State enactments, thereby departing from cooperative federalism. He also raised concerns about the Bill's governance structure, particularly the limited rotational representation for States in the apex body that would replace UGC, AICTE, and NCTE.
Key Points
- Kerala Higher Education Minister Roji M. John urged MPs to oppose the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhisthan (VBSA) Bill, 2025.
- The Bill is criticized for centralizing control over higher education and weakening the constitutional role of States.
- Clause 49 of the Bill is seen as undermining cooperative federalism by allowing the proposed law to override State enactments.
- Concerns were raised about the limited State representation in the VBSA, the apex body replacing UGC, AICTE, and NCTE.
Exam Facts
- Bill in question: Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhisthan (VBSA) Bill, 2025.
- Kerala Higher Education Minister: Roji M. John.
- Clause 49 of the Bill is highlighted for its potential to override State laws.
- The Bill proposes to replace the University Grants Commission (UGC), AICTE, and NCTE.
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