States and universities across India are raising objections to the proposed Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan (VBSA) Bill, 2025. The bill, slated for introduction in Parliament on July 17, aims to replace the University Grants Commission (UGC), AICTE, and NCTE with a single regulatory body. Several state governments, including those allied with the ruling NDA, have voiced concerns about centralizing power and undermining state authority over higher education.
VBSA Bill's Proposed Changes
The VBSA Bill seeks a significant restructuring of India's higher education regulatory system. It proposes to dismantle existing bodies like the UGC. These will be replaced by the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan (VBSA). The bill outlines a division of responsibilities, assigning standards and accreditation to the central government. University governance, staffing, and financing would remain under state jurisdiction.
State Opposition Mounts
Andhra Pradesh, governed by the TDP, has registered strong opposition. The state's government informed a parliamentary panel that certain provisions could diminish its legislative power. Clause 11, specifically, is flagged for potentially creating constitutional friction. This clause could allow the new regulatory body to bypass state universities when granting degrees.
Meghalaya's NPP-led government is pushing for a clearer division of powers between the central government and states. Madhya Pradesh, ruled by the BJP, has raised concerns about insufficient state representation within the proposed VBSA council. These objections highlight a push for more collaborative governance in higher education.
Concerns Over Centralization
Telangana, a Congress-ruled state, has called for the complete deletion of Clause 11. The state government argues this clause might lead to increased university fees. Clause 45 is identified as the bill's most centralizing provision. It grants the Centre final authority in disputes involving state universities, excluding state authorities from the decision-making process.
Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh urged NDA-ruled states, particularly Andhra Pradesh, to oppose the bill during parliamentary sessions. This call to action emphasizes political divisions surrounding the proposed legislation.
Institutions Echo Concerns
Several academic institutions have also expressed reservations. Banaras Hindu University (BHU) stated that Clause 47 risks turning the VBSA into an "arm of the government of the day." This clause empowers the Centre to suspend the VBSA for up to a year. BHU also argued that Clause 45 subordinates the regulator to the executive, giving the Centre binding authority over policy decisions.
Other institutions, including the Central University of Rajasthan and IIIT Chittoor, along with universities in Assam, Maharashtra, and Jammu and Kashmir, have voiced similar concerns about centralizing provisions within the bill.
