In a significant move for students and parents, Jharkhand Governor Santosh Gangwar has given his official assent to the Jharkhand Professional Educational Institutions (Fee Regulation) Bill, 2025. This approval, which came three months after the state assembly passed the bill, was formally announced by the Raj Bhavan in an official statement on Tuesday.
Curbing Arbitrary Fee Hikes
The newly approved legislation is designed to put a decisive end to the arbitrary practices of private professional educational institutions, particularly unchecked fee increases. Officials from the state's higher education department confirmed that the bill will soon be enacted as law once it is published in the state government gazette.
Presenting the bill during the monsoon session in August, Higher Education Minister Sudivya Kumar had emphasized to the House that the primary objective of this legislation was to protect students and their families from sudden and unjustified fee hikes imposed by private institutions offering professional courses.
Structure of the Fee Regulation Committee
The bill outlines a clear framework for the establishment of a fee regulation committee, which will be responsible for determining the fee structure for various professional courses. According to the provisions, the committee will be led by a chairman.
A vice-chancellor from any university within the state will be nominated by the secretary of the department of higher and technical education to serve as the vice-chairman. To ensure financial oversight, the committee will also include a chartered accountant. Furthermore, the body will comprise members who are associated with different professional courses, ensuring diverse expertise.
An official involved in the process stated, "Before determining fees, the committee will follow the necessary documentation and procedures from the institution concerned. Its implementation will curb arbitrary fee collection."
Additional Approvals for Education Sector
In a parallel development, Governor Gangwar also approved two important amendments to statutes. The first statute pertains to establishing the minimum qualifications required for the appointment of teachers, officers, and other academic staff in universities and colleges across Jharkhand.
The second approved statute focuses on the appointment, promotion, and cadre structure for non-teaching staff working at university headquarters and their allied offices. A proposal concerning these amendments had been forwarded by the higher education department earlier, marking a comprehensive effort to streamline the state's educational administration.
