Key bills on higher education should not be delayed: Par panel

Observing that "considerable time has elapsed" since Parliamentary scrutiny of these proposed legislations, the Parliamentary Standing Committee made the suggestion noting that these Bills are yet to come before Parliament.

"The committee is of the firm view that passing of these legislative proposals need not be delayed any further," the committee said in its report tabled in Parliament today.

Some of these Bills relate to prohibition of educational malpractice, mandatory assessment and accreditation of higher educational institutes, entry and operation of foreign education providers, bill to establish a tribunal for adjudication of disputes involving educational institutes and setting up of a national academic depository.

Drawing attention to the delay in establishment of new campusus of the IITs, the committee suggested that a team comprising HRD Ministy officials, IIT management representatives and state government officials be "mandated" to pursue construction of work in time-bound manner.

It also asked the Ministry to ensure that funds released to state universities are put to good use while taking into account the fact that "state universities are simply not inclined to take benefit from central funds".

It noted that during the 11th Plan Period, out of the plan allocation of Rs 1029.70 crore for 131 state universities, funds released were less than Rs 506.13 crore. Out of this, total expenditure was only Rs 54.96 crore by state universities.

The committee took note of the fact that "26 state universities failed to spend even a single paisa". MORE