Kerala Higher Education Minister Roji M. John urges all state MPs to reject the VBSA Bill 2025, warning that it erodes federalism, academic autonomy, and state authority in higher education. He stresses that the bill hands unprecedented power to the centre and threatens institutional independence.

Key Takeaways

  • VBSA Bill 2025 curtails state control over higher education
  • Central government gains sweeping policy‑making authority
  • Kerala MPs urged to oppose the bill in its present form

Kerala Higher Education Minister Roji M. John has written to every Kerala MP in both houses of Parliament, urging them to stand together against the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan (VBSA) Bill, 2025. While the government touts the legislation as a reform to boost higher education, research and innovation, the minister argues it centralises power and undermines constitutional safeguards.

Core Provisions of the Bill

The draft includes Clause 49, which permits the central legislation to override any state law that conflicts with it. This directly challenges the principle of cooperative federalism enshrined in the Indian Constitution, where states have historically enjoyed considerable autonomy over education policy.

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Governance Structure and Institutional Impact

Under the bill, a new apex body – the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan (VBSA) – would replace the University Grants Commission (UGC), the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE). The proposed governance model limits state representation to a rotational quota, effectively diluting state voices in decision‑making. Experts warn that such a structure could jeopardise the independence of universities and technical institutes.

Implications for Centre‑State Relations

Minister John contends that the bill empowers the centre to issue binding directions on matters described as ‘questions of policy’, allowing it to supersede existing regulatory bodies. This shift could erode the quality of higher education, curtail regional innovation ecosystems, and weaken the collaborative framework that has traditionally balanced national standards with local needs.

Path Forward

John calls for a comprehensive revision of the legislation, urging that it strengthen, rather than diminish, the partnership between the Union and the states. He requests Kerala MPs to oppose the bill in its current form and push for amendments that preserve state autonomy while advancing genuine reforms.