Universities call for clear framework for disbursal of grants under VBSA Bill, Pg11

Key Highlights:

• The Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill, 2025 is currently under examination by a Joint Parliamentary Committee.
• Universities and JPC members have sought a clear framework for the continued disbursal of grants under the proposed Bill.
• The Bill aims to replace the University Grants Commission (UGC), All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), and National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) with a single umbrella commission.
• A key provision of the Bill separates grant-disbursal powers from the regulatory body, a role currently held by the UGC.

Detailed Insights:

• The VBSA Bill seeks to overhaul the existing higher education regulatory framework in India.
• The Joint Parliamentary Committee reviewing the Bill is headed by BJP MP D. Purandeswari.
• Concerns were raised that the Bill "does not expressly create a mechanism for institutional financial support."
• BJP MPs, including Bansuri Swaraj and Bhartruhari Mahtab, suggested establishing a separate funding agency or council under the VBSA structure.
• Institutions like Jamia Milia Islamia expressed concerns about potential uncertainty for public universities dependent on Central support.
• The Telangana government highlighted UGC's general development grants as the primary statutory channel for Central funding to State Universities.
• The Union government maintains that separating grant-giving powers avoids conflicts of interest and promotes performance-based funding.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill (VBSA Bill): Proposed legislation to reform and consolidate higher education regulation in India.
• University Grants Commission (UGC): A statutory body responsible for maintaining standards of university education and disbursing grants.
• Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC): A committee comprising members from both Houses of Parliament to examine specific bills or issues.
• All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE): A statutory body for planning and ensuring coordinated development of technical education.
• National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE): A statutory body for planned and coordinated development of the teacher education system.