Joint Parliamentary Committee to Examine Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill
A Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) has been established to scrutinize the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan (VBSA) Bill, which aims to create a unified regulator for higher education in India. According to a notification issued by the Lok Sabha Secretariat on Tuesday, the 31-member panel, comprising Members of Parliament from both Houses, will review the provisions of this significant legislation before submitting its comprehensive report.
Committee Composition and Leadership
The JPC is headed by BJP MP D Purandeswari and includes representatives from across the political spectrum to ensure a balanced examination. Key members of the committee are:
- Digvijaya Singh (Congress)
- Sagarika Ghose (TMC)
- Sasmit Patra (BJD)
- Sanjay Kumar Jha (JD-U)
- Ram Gopal Yadav (SP)
- Tejasvi Surya (BJP)
- Anurag Singh Thakur (BJP)
- Varsha Eknath Gaikwad (Congress)
- Sougata Ray (TMC)
- T.R. Baalu (DMK)
This diverse membership reflects the government's intent to address opposition concerns and foster inclusive discussions on the bill's implications.
Objectives and Background of the VBSA Bill
Introduced during the Winter session, the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill seeks to overhaul the regulatory framework for higher education in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The legislation proposes to replace multiple existing regulators with a single overarching body, thereby streamlining governance. Key functions such as accreditation, funding, and standard-setting will be separated to enhance efficiency and transparency in the education sector.
Consultation Process and Stakeholder Engagement
The formation of the JPC follows earlier signals from the government to send the bill for wider consultations, in response to opposition concerns over issues like federalism, institutional autonomy, and the centralization of powers. The committee is expected to actively invite suggestions from various stakeholders, including:
- State governments to address regional educational needs
- Academic bodies to incorporate expert insights
- Other relevant stakeholders to ensure comprehensive feedback
This consultative approach aims to refine the bill's provisions and build consensus before finalizing recommendations, which will be crucial for its successful implementation.
Implications and Future Steps
The scrutiny by the Joint Parliamentary Committee marks a critical step in the legislative process for the VBSA Bill. By involving a broad range of political and educational voices, the government hopes to mitigate controversies and create a robust regulatory system that supports India's vision for a developed education landscape. The committee's report, once submitted, will guide further parliamentary discussions and potential amendments to the bill.
