Congress Challenges VBSA Bill: A Threat to Educational Federalism?

The Congress has raised concerns over the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan (VBSA) Bill, alleging it violates the constitutional federal structure by overcentralizing the control of higher education. The bill is accused of bypassing state governments, bureaucratizing education administration, and threatening institutional autonomy in higher education.

The Congress has voiced strong opposition to the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan (VBSA) Bill, claiming it infringes upon the federal structure of the Indian Constitution. Concerns have been raised regarding the lack of consultation with state governments, as education is part of the Concurrent List and directly affects state universities.

The VBSA Bill, currently under review by the Joint Committee of Parliament, proposes major changes in higher education governance. Key issues include increased bureaucratic control and the reduction of university autonomy. The bill's focus on centralization contrasts sharply with the National Education Policy 2020, which advocates for greater institutional autonomy.

This development comes as significant vacancies persist in regulatory bodies like the University Grants Commission (UGC) and All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). Critics argue that the VBSA Bill could further compromise the autonomy of Institutes of National Importance, like IITs and IIMs, as it grants overarching powers to the new governing body.