Higher Education Commission (HECI) to Replace UGC in India
The Indian government is set to introduce a new law to establish a Higher Education Regulator that will replace existing bodies like the University Grants Commission (UGC). The bill, named the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) Bill, is scheduled to be presented in the Winter Session of Parliament starting December 1.
Role of HECI in National Education Policy
The proposed Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) under the new National Education Policy (NEP) will replace the UGC, All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), and National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE). While UGC oversees non-technical higher education, AICTE governs technical education, and NCTE regulates teacher education.
Functions and Scope
HECI will function as a single higher education regulator. Medical and law colleges will be excluded from its jurisdiction. The three main roles of HECI are:
- Regulation of higher education institutions
- Recognition and accreditation of universities
- Setting professional and academic standards
Funding and Draft History
The funding autonomy will remain with the administrative ministry; HECI will not control the fourth-phase funding. The concept of HECI has been discussed previously through a draft bill, including the Higher Education Commission of India (Repeal of UGC Act) Bill, 2018, which sought to repeal the UGC Act and establish HECI. The draft was made public for stakeholder feedback in 2018.
New Efforts for Higher Education Regulatory Reform
Under Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan since July 2021, renewed efforts have been made to implement HECI. NEP 2020 emphasizes the need for a single higher education regulator to revive the sector and enable it to flourish. It states that regulation, recognition, funding, and academic standard setting should be handled by independent and empowered bodies.