Context:
The proposed Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill, 2025 seeks to introduce a UGC-like funding mechanism, raising concerns over centralisation and federalism.
Key Highlights:
- Policy Details
- Proposal to create Shiksha Adhishthan for grant disbursal.
- Aims to separate funding from regulatory functions.
- Examined by Joint Parliamentary Committee.
- Existing Framework (UGC)
- UGC currently allocates funds to universities.
- Grants based on quality, accreditation, NIRF rankings.
- Concerns Raised
- Risk of “super-regulator” with excessive central control.
- Weak state representation, impacting federal balance.
- Bill criticized as “skeletal” with lack of clarity.
- Stakeholders
- Ministry of Education.
- Parliament (JPC).
- Universities and state governments.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- UGC established under UGC Act, 1956.
- Responsible for coordination, standards, and funding in higher education.
- NIRF ranks institutions based on teaching, research, graduation outcomes.
- Federalism: Division of powers between Centre and States.
Relevant Mains Points:
- Need for Reform
- Separation of funding and regulation reduces conflict of interest.
- Can improve efficiency and transparency in fund allocation.
- Concerns on Federalism
- Centralised control may undermine state autonomy in education.
- Education is in the Concurrent List, requiring cooperative federalism.
- Governance Issues
- Lack of clarity in bill provisions raises accountability concerns.
- Risk of politicisation in funding decisions.
- Way Forward
- Ensure balanced representation of states in governance structure.
- Clearly define roles, powers, and accountability mechanisms.
- Maintain institutional autonomy while ensuring quality.
- Strengthen transparent, merit-based funding criteria.
UPSC Relevance:
• GS 2: Polity (Federalism, statutory bodies)
• GS 2: Governance (Education reforms, institutional design)