New education bill grants regulatory body overriding powers over higher education laws

It seeks to promote institutional autonomy and a transparent accreditation system.

Who it concerns: The law applies to universities, colleges, institutions of national importance, institutions of eminence, and institutions regulated by specific acts (such as the Architects Act, AICTE Act, and NCTE Act). It explicitly excludes professional programs regulated by medical, dental, nursing, pharmacy, veterinary, and legal councils.

What the bill does

• Constitution of the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan (Commission).
• Establishment of three independent councils: Regulatory Council (Viniyaman Parishad), Accreditation Council (Gunvatta Parishad), and Standards Council (Manak Parishad).
• Definition of accreditation as a quality control process recognizing graded levels of quality and autonomy.
• Provisions for penalties, adjudication, and appeals against decisions of the Commission or Councils.
• Power of the Central Government to issue directions, delegate powers, and supersede the Commission and Councils.
• Repeal and savings clause indicating the replacement of previous regulations.

Also in the document

• The Act has an overriding effect over other laws governing higher education regulation, except for specific professional practice powers retained by bodies like the Council of Architecture.
• It creates a new fund (Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Fund) and provides for grants by the Central Government.
• The Bill includes provisions for the appointment, removal, and terms of office for the Chairperson and members of the Commission and Councils.