The Ministry of Education is drafting a bill to establish the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI). This new body will unify the regulation of higher education in India. The Lok Sabha was informed recently about this development. The proposal aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 vision for a reformed regulatory framework.
Background and Need for HECI
India’s higher education is currently regulated by multiple bodies. The University Grants Commission (UGC) oversees non-technical education. The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) regulates technical education. The National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) manages teacher training. This fragmented system has led to inefficiencies and overlapping functions. NEP 2020 calls for a light but tight regulatory approach to improve transparency, governance, and innovation.
Vision of NEP 2020
NEP 2020 emphasises autonomy and good governance in higher education. It proposes a single umbrella body, HECI, with independent verticals. These verticals will handle regulation, accreditation, funding, and academic standards separately. The aim is to encourage innovation and ensure resource efficiency through audits and public disclosure. The policy calls for a complete overhaul of the regulatory system to energise the sector.
Structure and Functions of HECI
HECI will replace UGC, AICTE, and NCTE. It will have distinct divisions for its core functions. The regulatory vertical will ensure compliance and quality control. The accreditation vertical will assess institutions and programmes. The funding vertical will manage grants and financial support. The academic standards vertical will set benchmarks for curriculum and research. This separation will reduce conflicts of interest and improve focus.
Legislative Process and Current Status
The idea of HECI was first proposed in 2018 through a draft bill. It sought to repeal the UGC Act and create a unified framework. Feedback was invited from stakeholders at that time. Renewed efforts began in 2021. The Ministry has confirmed that the bill drafting is in progress. However, no timeline for introduction in Parliament has been announced.
Expected Impact on Higher Education
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