Congress calls VBSA Bill 'Very Bad Shiksha Act'
The Congress party on Friday urged NDA-ruled states, particularly Andhra Pradesh, to submit dissent notes and oppose the proposed Viksit Bharat Shiksha Act (VBSA) Bill, 2025 during the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament. Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh alleged that the legislation undermines the federal structure and the autonomy of higher educational institutions, calling it a 'Very Bad Shiksha Act'.
Constitutional overreach alleged
Ramesh argued that the Bill exceeds Parliament's constitutional powers by encroaching upon the legislative domain of states. He stated that the Bill, introduced under Entry 66 of the Union List, goes beyond the Centre's mandate of coordinating and determining standards in higher education and infringes upon powers reserved for state legislatures with regard to universities.
Departure from NEP 2020
The Congress leader also alleged that the Bill departs from the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 by doing away with an independent grants council, thereby centralising funding powers with the Union Government. He claimed this would weaken the autonomy of universities by shifting grant-related decisions from academic bodies to the Ministry.
Impact on Institutes of National Importance
Ramesh expressed concern that the proposed law could bring Institutes of National Importance, including IITs, IIMs, NITs, IIITs and IISERs, under the regulatory ambit of the proposed Commission. He said the overriding provisions in the Bill create uncertainty over the statutory autonomy these institutions currently enjoy under their respective Acts.
Dilution of consultative role
He also alleged that the Bill dilutes the consultative role of universities by vesting wide discretionary powers in the proposed regulatory councils for setting standards, conducting inspections and exercising other functions without mandatory consultation with higher education institutions.
Appeal to TDP's Naidu
Targeting Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Ramesh said the Telugu Desam Party should oppose the legislation if it believes the Bill is against the interests of states. He claimed the TDP is no longer indispensable to the BJP-led NDA government and urged Naidu to 'stand up boldly and be counted' by resisting the proposed legislation.
