Bill to give states and state universities a say over higher education

The demand for participation of states and universities based in different states in Higher Education and Research is gathering momentum. In this regard, a proposal to inclusion of states and state universities in the upcoming Bill for National Commission for Higher Education and Research has come up.

At present, states have no say over management and administration of regulatory bodies like UGC and AICTE. The states have long been demanding their inclusion in the active management and other vital activities related to higher education.

Prof. NR Madhava Menon, member, Commission on Centre-State Relations, has pointed out that the states have been neglected in this regard for far too long. Like states, NRIs too deserve to be involved in managing regulatory bodies, he observed adding, there must be some medium, like digital or some such modes, to seek the participation of NRIs in the decision making process.

 
Prof. Menon also informed that the structure of the proposed Bill was welcomed by all and there has been no opposition to the draft. Two other Bills going to be tabled by the government aim at making education system more transparent and free from any malaise.
 

One of the Bills aims at preventing institutions from levying capitation fee or indulging in other malpractices during the time of admission. Prof. Menon said, once the Bills become Acts, they would act as equivalent to IPC.