Parliamentary Panel Raises Red Flags on Higher Education Bill's Centralized Power

Higher Education Bill Sparks Concerns Over Centralised Regulatory Power: Parliamentary Panel

A joint parliamentary committee has raised concerns that the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan (VBSA) Bill, 2025, could concentrate extensive regulatory powers in a single central authority, potentially undermining the autonomy of higher education institutions. The committee's draft report, circulated to members, warned of possible "bureaucratic or ideological overreach" under the proposed framework.

Overhaul of Higher Education Governance

Introduced in the Lok Sabha in December 2025, the VBSA Bill seeks to dissolve existing regulatory bodies such as the University Grants Commission (UGC), the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), and the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE). These would be replaced by a unified regulatory commission tasked with overseeing higher education in India. The legislation is part of the government’s efforts to implement the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020, and proposes dividing oversight into three specialised councils for regulation, accreditation, and standards.

The government has listed the Bill for consideration and passage following the adoption of the committee's report.

Graded Penalty System Under Scrutiny

The draft report also flagged issues with the Bill’s proposed "graded penalty architecture," cautioning against arbitrary imposition of penalties by the new Regulatory Council. While the committee acknowledged the need for penalties to deter habitual violations, it emphasised that these must be linked to "proven violations of norms." It further recommended that the Ministry establish clear rules to ensure timely appointments to regulatory positions, suggesting that processes for filling predictable vacancies should begin six months in advance and conclude within 90 days of the vacancy.

The committee also highlighted provisions aimed at increasing accountability within higher education institutions (HEIs). Repeat violations could lead to the removal of specific personnel responsible for non-compliance, shifting the burden of accountability onto individual leaders and trustees. This measure, the report noted, would help dismantle the "corporate veil" often used by promoters of fraudulent institutions.

Appointment Mechanisms Raise Debate

Regarding appointments to the proposed regulatory commission, the committee endorsed the provision that presidents and full-time members be appointed by the President of India on the recommendation of a search-cum-selection committee. However, it suggested that other members, excluding ex-officio members and the member-secretary, be appointed directly by the Central government to avoid delays caused by the current process. The report noted that many central institutions are currently facing challenges due to prolonged vacancies.

Implications for Higher Education

The VBSA Bill represents a significant shift in the governance of India's higher education sector. While it aims to streamline oversight and align with the NEP's vision, concerns about centralised power and potential risks to institutional autonomy have sparked debate. The parliamentary panel's recommendations underscore the need for safeguards to ensure transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the proposed regulatory framework.

Source: The Hindu