The Centre’s proposal to set up an overarching body for higher education today received support from states, even though some of them objected to a condition that permission would have to sought before any new university can become functional.
At the meeting of the Central Advisory Board of Education (CABE), there was unanimity among state education ministers on the proposal to set up the National Commission for Higher Education and Research (NCHER) as an overarching body to frame policy and ensure quality in higher education.
However, states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Haryana termed as “encroachment of the Centre” a provision that new universities will have to seek permission from NCHER before starting functioning.
“This provision is blocking the freedom of states to open universities,” Uttar Pradesh Education Minister Rakesh Dhar Tripathi said. Similar views were expressed by Haryana Education Minister Geeta Bhukkal who said this provision is an “encroachment” on the state government’s power to start new universities.
The apex court in its judgment in the case of Yashpal verses state of Chhattisgarh had said that the regulatory agency will give permission keeping in view the infrastructural and faculty positions in the university.
The NCHER Bill has a similar provision, saying that it will give permission on the basis of the report of an assessment agency about new universities.
Human Resource Development Minister Sibal said that the new body will restructure the higher education system, bring in quality and professionalism and augment research.
