Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has voiced his opposition to the proposed ‘Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhiniyam Bill – 2025’ (Higher Education Bill), expressing worries that it could escalate the cost of higher education, limit opportunities for students from modest backgrounds, and curtail states’ ability to cater to local educational needs.
In a letter to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, CM Mann urged a reevaluation of the Bill, emphasizing the necessity for broader consultations before enacting reforms that could significantly impact the higher education sector. He stressed the importance of ensuring that higher education remains an avenue of opportunity for students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.
Highlighting the aspirations of millions of parents nationwide for their children’s education, CM Mann underscored the significance of keeping higher education accessible, affordable, and inclusive. He advocated for increased investments in universities, infrastructure, faculty, and research to enhance educational quality, rather than adopting measures that might escalate costs and centralize decision-making.
Asserting that the future of India hinges on enhancing the accessibility and affordability of higher education, CM Mann expressed concerns that the proposed legislation might concentrate decision-making powers in higher education, potentially affecting students, educators, universities, and state governments. He emphasized the importance of understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by different states in a diverse country like India.
