Students and teachers launched a nationwide signature campaign in Delhi on Wednesday against the proposed Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan (VBSA) Bill 2025. The campaign calls for the bill’s withdrawal and the protection of public and autonomous higher education institutions.
Opposition to VBSA Bill Intensifies
The Coordination Committee Against HECI, an umbrella group of teacher and student organizations, initiated the campaign. They argue the VBSA Bill threatens public higher education, federalism, and academic freedom. Resources detailing the bill’s connection to rising university fees and reduced equality protections were shared.
The VBSA Bill was presented to Parliament during the winter session. It was then sent to a joint parliamentary committee due to significant opposition from Members of Parliament and the chair of the parliamentary standing committee on education.
Concerns Over Autonomy and Equity
Speakers highlighted that the VBSA Bill would dismantle existing regulatory bodies like the University Grants Commission (UGC), All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), and National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE). A single, government-controlled central authority would replace them.
Surajit Mazumdar, president of FEDCUTA, stated universities will lose autonomy. Institutions and faculty not complying with regulations face penalties. These can include funding suspension, potentially forcing institutions to increase fees and make higher education unaffordable.
Social justice activist Lakshman Yadav called the VBSA Bill an “intentional political move.” He claims it weakens protections for marginalized students. He also stated it imposes ideological and corporate control.
Sharanya, treasurer of the Ambedkar University Delhi (AUD) students’ council, noted fees at AUD range from Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000. She mentioned scholarships and fee waivers are often delayed or denied.
Aditi, Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) President, stated the VBSA formalizes oppression and surveillance in universities. This includes punitive actions against Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) student representatives.
Threat to Federalism and Funding
Bihar MP Raja Ram Singh and Tamil Nadu MP Kalanidhi Rajasamy criticized the bill. They stated it undermines state autonomy in education. They also warned it threatens access for Dalit, oppressed, and economically disadvantaged students.
Arun Kumar, general secretary of the All India Federation of University Teachers’ Organisations (AIFUCTO), said the VBSA aims to standardize higher education. He added it paves the way for corporatization. He also noted the bill seeks to dismantle bodies like UGC, AICTE, and NCTE.
Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh criticized low government spending on education. He noted less than 5% of the national budget goes to education. He pointed to school closures in Uttar Pradesh forcing children to travel long distances.
UGC Equity Regulations Under Scrutiny
The conference also addressed the withdrawal of the UGC Draft Equity Regulations 2026. These regulations aim to promote equality and inclusion. They also safeguard SC, ST, Other Backward Classes (OBC), and minority students.