Concerned over delay in enactment of key Bills relating to reforms in higher education, HRD Minister Kapil Sibal has held discussions with several MPs, both from Congress and its allies, for smooth passage of these legislations in the Winter Session of Parliament.
"He [Sibal] held discussion last week with as many as nine MPs over the weekend to clear any doubts in their mind about the Bills and the impact the legislations will bring about in the higher education sector," said a HRD Ministry official.
As many as 12 Bills are pending in Parliament at present.
The meeting assumes significance in light of the fact that MPs including those from ruling Congress itself have raised doubts over certain provisions of key Bills which led to their deferment.
The government had to face embarrassment in the Monsoon Session during the passage of IIIT D&M, Kancheepuram Bill, 2011 in Rajya Sabha after Congress MP JD Seelam demanded reservation for SC/ST and OBC students in the institute.
This had prompted the BSP, RJD and LJP along with the Left parties to seek proper discussion on the Bill.
The Educational Tribunals Bill 2010 was also deferred in the Monsoon Session last year after Sibal's colleague Keshav Rao wanted Sibal to honour parliamentary committee recommendations.
Officials said in the light of these objections, Sibal reached out to his own party colleagues. He also intends to hold discussions in this regard with the opposition parties before the Winter Session expected to begin next month.
