New Delhi, December 15 (NationPress) – On Monday, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan presented the Viksit Bharat Sikhsha Adhishthan Bill 2525 in the Lok Sabha amidst the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament, paving the way for a significant transformation of India's higher education regulatory landscape.

This Bill aims to establish a Higher Education Board to centralize regulation in the sector and revamp the current system by merging various regulatory councils into a single commission.

However, the introduction of the Bill encountered fierce opposition.

Congress MP Manish Tewari voiced his dissent, contending that the proposed legislation grants the Centre excessive power to dictate education policy, undermining the authority of state governments and educational institutions.

"It also meddles in the administrative affairs of institutions, stripping them of their autonomy in everyday operations and appointments," Tewari remarked while opposing the Bill.

Numerous other opposition MPs echoed similar concerns and called for the withdrawal of the legislation from the Lok Sabha.

In light of these objections, the Bill has been referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for in-depth examination.

The proposed legislation outlines an ambitious initiative to create a cohesive framework for regulation, accreditation, and standard-setting in higher education.

It prioritizes outcome-based education and the integration of 'Bharatiya' knowledge systems, aligning with the government's broader vision of an 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'.

Through this Bill, the Centre seeks to form a commission designed to enable universities and other higher educational institutions to become independent self-governing entities and to foster excellence via a robust and transparent accreditation and autonomy system.

The proposed structure delineates that the Commission will operate through three distinct branches: a Regulatory Council, an Accreditation Council, and a Standards Council. The 12-member commission will comprise the heads of these three councils, the Union higher education secretary, two eminent academicians of professor rank from state higher educational institutions, five distinguished experts, and a member secretary.

Appointments to the Commission will be conducted solely by the Centre via a three-member search panel. The Bill also extends legal safeguards to the office-bearers and employees of the Commission and its councils.

Moreover, the legislation stipulates stringent penalties for non-compliance. Educational institutions violating the provisions of the new law and failing to address shortcomings could incur fines ranging from a minimum of Rs 10 lakh to Rs 30 lakh. In cases of repeated violations, higher educational institutions could face fines of at least Rs 75 lakh or suspension.

According to the Bill, the Commission will provide high-level strategic direction for the comprehensive and holistic advancement of higher education and research within a competitive global framework.

It will also endeavor to devise a roadmap to transform higher educational institutions into expansive multi-disciplinary education and research centers, as well as to promote India as a prime education destination.