Paper: GS – II, Subject: Polity, Topic: Federalism, Issue: Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhisthan Bill.
Context:
The article critiques the proposed VBSA Bill, which aims to implement the NEP 2020 framework. It argues that the Bill centralizes power in the Union government, undermining institutional autonomy, federalism, and social justice in higher education.
Key Takeaways:
Core Arguments Explained:
Regulatory Framework Critique:
- Proposed bodies:
- Regulatory Council (Vinayman Parishad)
- Accreditation Council (Gunvatta Parishad)
- Standards Council (Manak Parishad)
- Issues:
- Over-centralisation of authority
- Excessive reliance on third-party accreditation
- Focus on output metrics (rankings, employability) over holistic outcomes
Key Recommendations / Alternative Model
- Make higher education a shared responsibility (Centre + States).
- Create a separate Higher Education Grants Council (HEGC) for equitable funding.
- Give 50% weightage to States (SHECs) in regulatory decisions.
- Ensure:
- Social justice
- Regional balance
- Academic autonomy
- Participatory governance
Way forward: Justice to States
- Strengthen State Higher Education Councils (SHECs) with real decision-making power.
- Provide research funding (NRF) to State Universities.
- Ensure representation of States in regulatory bodies.
- Promote consensus-based governance, not central diktat.
Conclusion:
The article argues that while reform in higher education governance is necessary, the VBSA Bill risks centralisation, bureaucratisation, and erosion of federal and institutional autonomy, and must be redesigned to uphold cooperative federalism, equity, and academic freedom.
Source: (The Hindu)
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