HRD Ministry upset with lack of response from states on NCHER

Updated on: Friday, August 27, 2010

The HRD Ministry is understood to be upset as only a few states have given their views about the National Commission of Higher Education and Research, a proposed overarching regulatory body in higher education.

According to sources, only about eight to nine states have sent their views and suggestions which the HRD Ministry had sought during the Central Advisory Board of Education (CABE) meet here on June 18 and 19.

The states were asked to send their suggestions within a month. However, only some north Indian states, a few in east and some western states have sent their views.

Sources said among the south Indian states, only Kerala has taken a pro-active stand on the proposed body and has sent
its suggestions.

Several states are still opposed to it on ground that it erodes states' powers in higher education. The main objection of states is to the provision with regard to the appointment of Vice-Chancellors through a collegium process, sources said.

According to the draft bill, the NCHER will be the apex institution in higher education and will replace the existing regulatory bodies like University Grants Commission, All India Council for Education and Research (AICTE) and Distance Education Council (DEC).

The move to bring in medical and legal education under the ambit of the proposed body is also facing stiff opposition.

Interestingly, NCHER had got a good support from several state governments during the CABE meeting.

The HRD Ministry is believed to be planning to introduce the bill in the Winter session of Parliament.

HRD Ministry upset with lack of response from states on NCHER

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