The Students’ Federation of India (SFI) has vehemently opposed the Union Cabinet’s recent approval of the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhikshan Bill 2025. SFI leadership labeled the proposed legislation as ‘anti-constitutional,’ arguing it seeks to centralize India’s entire higher education system.
Key Changes Introduced by the Bill
The Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhikshan Bill 2025, previously known as the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) Bill, aims to consolidate regulatory functions within higher education. It proposes replacing established bodies like the University Grants Commission (UGC), the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), and the National Council of Teacher Education (NCTE).
A single regulatory structure, the HECI, will now assume oversight for these functions. Reports indicate the new bill will focus on three main areas: regulation, accreditation, and setting learning standards across higher education institutions.
SFI Raises Concerns Over Centralization and Commercialization
The SFI asserts the bill represents an effort to centralize, commercialize, and communalize India’s higher education sector. In an official statement, the student federation claimed the bill aligns with ‘capitalist’ interests of corporations and the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS).
According to SFI, the bill will significantly alter funding and operations of higher education institutions. They argue it shifts from a system of government grants to a ‘servicing’ model. This change, SFI states, will make education an expensive commodity, accessible mainly to wealthier students.
Allegations of Ideological Imposition
SFI also raised concerns about the composition of the proposed HECI. The federation pointed out that 9 of the 12 HECI members will be appointed by the central government. This structure, SFI claims, contradicts the principle of ‘less government, more governance.’
The students’ federation alleged that the central government aims to control the education sector to further its ideological agenda. They stated the bill grants the government full authority to operate education as per its specific interests.
Impact on Underprivileged Students
Terming the legislation a ‘draconian bill,’ SFI warned it will disproportionately affect students and families from underprivileged and marginalized backgrounds. The federation emphasized that rising education costs would create significant barriers for these groups.
Call for Immediate Withdrawal
The Students’ Federation of India has demanded the central government immediately withdraw the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhikshan Bill 2025. SFI urged students and the general public to actively oppose the HECI Bill 2025 and join ongoing resistance movements.