Thaindian News

New Delhi, June 10 (IANS) The human resource development (HRD) ministry may form a council with representatives from states, within the proposed National Commission for Higher Education and Research - an overarching agency to oversee higher education.

The council shall meet this month to finalise a draft bill which aims at setting up the agency for higher education.

The ministry has proposed some changes in the draft bill to meet the demands of some states.

“Some states had objections with the bill, the meeting will focus on clearing the differences,” a senior HRD ministry official said.

“A general council will be made within the ambit of NCHER, it will have representatives from all states who could veto the commission’s decision with a two-thirds majority,” the official said.

Some states, including West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat, raised objections saying that the bill is against the federal character of government.

The proposed council, expected to meet June 18-19, will take a look at the draft bill which aims at setting up an overarching body overseeing higher education in the country.

According to the bill, the NCHER could refuse authorisation to a university even if it has a positive assessment report from an accreditation agency. But the official said this provision is going to be reviewed.

“It will be made lenient, now the commission would have to give a nod if the assessment report is fine,” the official added.