Sibal holds discussions with MPs for passage of key bills

Updated on: Saturday, November 05, 2011

HRD Minister Kapil Sibal held discussions with several MPs for smooth passage of key legislations on reforms in higher education in the Winter Session of Parliament beginning November 22.

"The minister held discussion with as many as eight MPs to clear any doubts in their mind about the bills and the impact the legislations will bring about in the higher education sector," said a HRD Ministry official.

Sibal had on several occasions expressed concerns over the delay in passage of these bills, some of which concerns awarding degrees to the pass-out students.

As many as 12 bills are pending in Parliament at present.

Today's meeting was the second in less than a fortnight with the MPs the first one being held in the third week of October.

The official said Sibal's move to reach out to the MPs assumes significance in light of the fact that some MPs including those from ruling Congress have raised doubts over certain provisions of bills which have led to their deferment.

The government had to face embarrassment in the Monsoon Session during the passage of IIIT D&M, Kancheepuram Bill, 2011 in Rajya Sabha after Congress MP J D Seelam demanded reservation for SC/ST and OBC students in the institute.

This had prompted BSP, RJD and LJP along with the Left parties to seek proper discussion on the Bill.

The Educational Tribunals Bill 2010 was also deferred in last year's Monsoon Session after Sibal's colleague Keshav Rao wanted him to honour parliamentary committee recommendations.

The official said in the light of these objections, Sibal reached out to his own party colleagues. He also intends to hold discussions in this regard with the Opposition parties before the Winter Session begins.

Sibal holds discussions with MPs for passage of key bills

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