A Joint Committee of Parliament has expressed concern that the proposed Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan (VBSA) Bill, 2025 could concentrate extensive regulatory powers in a single central authority, potentially affecting the autonomy of higher education institutions.

The bill, introduced in the Lok Sabha in December 2025, seeks to replace the University Grants Commission (UGC), the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) with a unified regulatory commission as part of the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

In its draft report, the committee said the graded penalty framework proposed under the bill should not be applied arbitrarily and recommended that penalties be imposed only for proven violations of prescribed norms. It noted that repeat contraventions could result in action against individuals responsible for non-compliance, including institutional leaders and trustees.

The committee also recommended that vacancies arising from retirement or superannuation be identified at least six months in advance and filled within 90 days. It further suggested that members of the commission and its councils, other than ex-officio members and member secretaries, be appointed by the Central government instead of the President to avoid delays in appointments.

The government has listed the bill for consideration and passage in Parliament after the committee’s report is adopted.

Inputs from PTI

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