The government has taken a major step towards a historic transformation in the country's higher education. The University Grants Commission (UGC), established in 1953 and made a statutory body under an Act of Parliament in 1956, is now set to become history. It will be replaced by the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan (VBSA), which will be the integrated regulator for all universities and higher education institutions in the country.

The UGC was established on December 28, 1953, by the then Education Minister Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. Its objective was to set and maintain standards for university education in India and to grant recognition to universities. Over the years, the UGC has shaped the direction of higher education in the country and laid the foundation for the education of millions of students.

Everything Under One Roof

The government has decided to bring about integration in the regulation of higher education. Under this plan, the UGC, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), and the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) will be merged to form the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan (VBSA). This step is in line with the National Education Policy-2020.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan stated that the existence of separate regulatory bodies currently leads to duplication of rules, delays, and confusion. The formation of VBSA will eliminate this problem. Now, universities, technical institutions, and teacher education institutions will operate under a single framework. This will lead to faster decision-making, increased transparency, and improved quality of education.

IITs and IIMs Included for the First Time

After the implementation of VBSA, prestigious institutions like IITs and IIMs, which were not previously under the purview of the UGC or AICTE, will also be brought under its umbrella for the first time. This means that all higher education institutions in the country will have a uniform regulator and quality standards.

Three Key Pillars

Viksit Bharat Shiksha Regulation Council: Will perform the regulatory role.
Viksit Bharat Shiksha Quality Council: Will handle accreditation and recognition-related work. Developed the India Education Standards Council: Will set academic standards.

The same rules will apply to all institutions

The rules of the VBSA will apply equally to central, state, and private universities. This will also include open universities, digital and online education institutions. Previously, general universities were regulated by the UGC, technical institutions by the AICTE, and teacher education institutions by the NCTE. Now, this entire task will be handled by a single institution, making the education system simpler, clearer, and more effective.

Penalties and strict provisions

The VBSA includes provisions for strict action against violations of its rules. The regulatory council will have the power to impose fines ranging from Rs. 10 lakh to Rs. 75 lakh for violations of the Act or rules. A fine of up to Rs. 2 crore can be imposed for establishing a higher education institution without permission.

Appointment of Chairpersons and Members

The President will select the chairpersons of the VBSA and its three councils. The chairperson will be appointed for a term of three years, which can be extended up to five years. Each council will have 14 members. The President will also have the power to remove them for dereliction of duty. If necessary, the central government can also dissolve the commission or councils.