Kochi: Higher education minister Roji M John on Thursday wrote to Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs from Kerala, urging them to oppose the central govt’s proposed Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhisthan (VBSA) Bill, 2025. He alleged that its provisions centralise powers and weaken the constitutional role of states and the autonomy of universities.
In the letter, the minister said education is a subject in the concurrent list and stressed the need to protect the spirit of federalism. He alleged that the proposed legislation would place key decisions in the education sector under the control of the Centre.
The minister further claimed that several provisions of the Bill would override state laws, give the Centre decisive powers over appointments in university administration and regulatory bodies, and vest final authority on policy matters with Union govt.
The letter also stated that the Bill imposes additional responsibilities on state universities without ensuring sufficient financial support. It warned that provisions, including heavy financial penalties, could push universities into serious financial distress.
According to the minister, the proposed requirement for a uniform approach to curricula and the creation of a single regulatory mechanism replacing the existing UGC, AICTE and NCTE would adversely affect academic autonomy and diversity in universities.
Urging all MPs from the state to protect the constitutional values of federalism, university autonomy and academic freedom, the minister called on them to oppose the Bill in its present form in Parliament and support legislation that strengthens Centre-state cooperation.
According to John, state govt already submitted its recommendations on the proposed legislation to the joint parliamentary committee through a letter dated July 1, 2026.
