Rajya Sabha passes bill on NIDs in AP, MP, Assam, Haryana

Rajya Sabha on Tuesday passed a bill which seeks to declare four National Institutes of Design in Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, and Haryana as institutions of national importance.

It will allow the four institutes to grant degrees and diplomas.

Currently, these institutes are registered as Societies under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 and do not have the power to grant degrees or diplomas.

The National Institute of Design (Amendment) Bill, 2019 was introduced in Rajya Sabha by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on July 30, 2019. It was passed by voice vote in the House.

The Bill seeks to amend the National Institute of Design Act, 2014.

Replying on the Bill in the Rajya Sabha, Goyal assured the members that the autonomy of these institutes would be maintained.

He said, "Except at the time of appointment of member of governing councils, the government has no role to play. Nothing on these institutes come to me (for administration purpose). I am here only because of this bill. We want complete autonomy of the institutes."
He also assured the members that the suggestion of roping in industry academia and consultancy with industry would be considered