US EditionLok Sabha Refers Bill to Set up Higher Education Commission to Joint Committee of Parliament
The bill proposes a 13-member commission to unify regulatory approval for central universities and institutes, with a joint parliamentary panel reviewing it by early February 2026.
- On Dec 16, 2025, in New Delhi, the Lok Sabha passed a resolution to refer the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill, introduced by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, to a joint parliamentary committee, approved by voice vote.
- The bill proposes to create a single commission and three councils to address burdens from multiple regulators, establishing the Higher Education Commission, Viksit Bharat Shiksha Viniyaman Parishad, Gunvatta Parishad, and Manak Parishad.
- Per Tuesday's resolution, the joint committee of Parliament will include 21 Lok Sabha and 10 Rajya Sabha members and report by the last day of the first part of the Budget Session, 2026.
- Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the JPC will include Opposition members to clarify doubts, while Dharmendra Pradhan assured states retain powers and the three councils include state representatives.
- Critics flagged excessive centralisation and threats to autonomy as the Bill separates regulation, accreditation and standard-setting to improve objectivity, proposing a technology-driven single-window interactive system.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Dharmendra Pradhan defends higher education overhaul Bill—‘no threat to autonomy of states’
Union Minister’s remarks come after Oppn parties raise concerns about ‘excessive centralisation’ of higher education in India. Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill referred to JPC.
Lok Sabha refers Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhikshan Bill to JPC
The bill was earlier introduced on Monday in the Lok Sabha by Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The purpose of the Bill is to empower Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) of Bharat to achieve excellence through effective coordination and the determination of standards.
Viksit Bharat Shiksha Bill Explained: Why Centre Wants To Overhaul Higher Education Regulation
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday explained the rationale behind the proposed Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill, saying the legislation is aimed at simplifying higher education regulation, removing overlapping authorities, and granting institutions greater autonomy to compete globally. Addressing a press briefing, Pradhan noted that India’s higher education ecosystem has expanded rapidly over the years, with nearly 60,000…
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