Oppn flags 'centralisation', 'lack of funding mechanism' in JPC meet

AT the first meeting of the Joint Committee of Parliament (JPC) to examine the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan (VBSA) Bill on Thursday, Opposition members flagged “excess centralisation, institutional autonomy and lack of funding mechanism” among others, according to sources.

- PREETHA NAIR @ New Delhi

The bill, which was introduced during the Winter session of Parliament, seeks to establish a higher education commission along with three councils for regulation, accreditation and ensuring standards for universities and Higher Education Institutions. The bill seeks to establish a single higher education regulator.

Facing protests from the Opposition, the bill was referred to a 31-member JPC.

According to sources, JPC chairman D Purandeswari, BJP MP, assured the members that the panel would address their concerns. Speaking to reports after the meeting, Purandeswari said. “The panel will go into each of the concerns and take eveyone onboard.”