There is no denying the fact that the Modi government doesn’t mind taking an unusual step if it finds that necessary for bringing reforms. This time, they have taken a big decision regarding the two highest education bodies of the country – University Grants Commission (UGC) and All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).
These two bodies will be scrapped and one single regulator will come in place of them, which will be known as HEERA – Higher Education Empowerment Regulation Agency.
This is not a new idea as it has been recommended by many committees including Yashpal Committee and National Knowledge Commission which gave their report during Manmohan regime but it never happened in reality.
The main purpose behind this decision is to bring more clarity and remove all the unnecessary regulations that have lost their relevance. The presence of single regulator will result in better coordination and provide ease in making the curriculum for various streams. It will also end the inspector raj and the new body will be provided by powers to take legal actions whenever necessary.
The central government was thinking of taking a decision to bring a change in the education system of the country and at last, the decision was taken in March in a meeting which was chaired by PM Modi himself.
As per a report published in ET, senior officers working on this matter stated,
“Work is on at a rapid pace to frame the HEERA legislation. The human resource development (HRD) ministry and the NITI Aayog are working on the new law. A committee that has, among others, NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant and higher education secretary KK Sharma as members, is working on the detailed blueprint.”
What do you think of this step by the Modi government?
