Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill to establish commission for independent higher education institutions

Key facts

• The Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill proposes to establish a commission to facilitate universities and other higher educational institutions to become independent self-governing institutions.
• The commission aims to promote excellence through a robust and transparent system of accreditation and autonomy in higher education.
• It will formulate and suggest schemes to improve the quality of education and advise the Centre and states for the holistic development of higher education in the country.
• The proposed Commission will comprise three wings: the Regulatory Council, Accreditation Council, and the Standards Council.
• The legislation will cover all Institutions of National Importance, other institutions established by Parliament, Universities in India, colleges, and institutions regulated under the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).
• The bill proposes to develop a roadmap for integration and promotion of Bharatiya knowledge, languages, and arts across the multi-disciplinary higher education system.
• A steep fine of minimum ₹10 lakhs to ₹30 lakhs is proposed if an educational institution contravenes the provisions of the new law, with higher penalties or suspension for repeated offences.