What happened
The Union Education Ministry has agreed to modify the proposed Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill after objections from Andhra Pradesh over centralisation of powers. The change is important because the Bill concerns higher-education regulation and the balance between the Centre and States.
The revised approach would require the proposed Regulatory Council to obtain State government clearance before taking key decisions that affect colleges affiliated to State universities.
The joint parliamentary committee has also said that one contentious clause giving the Centre overriding powers should be reworked entirely. The Ministry accepted a Meghalaya proposal allowing State universities to establish constituent colleges, off-campus centres, and multiple campuses under State law.
Background and earlier position
The immediate issue is a federal one: education is a subject where regulatory design affects State institutions directly, especially State universities and their affiliated colleges. A central regulator with broad overriding powers can reduce State discretion, while a State-clearance requirement preserves a larger role for State governments.
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