'It destroys academic freedom': TMC on VBSA bill as JPC defers report

TMC MP Sagarika Ghose said the JPC deferred the report on the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhisthan bill, calling it a win for the opposition.

Ghose said the VBSA bill is anti-student and anti-federalism, and would destroy the education sector.

TMC sources said the bill exceeds constitutional parameters, makes higher education the preserve of the rich, attacks federalism, creates a centralized structure, and destroys academic freedom.

A senior TMC leader claimed the government intends to demolish the UGC, leading universities to take loans and hike fees, making education unaffordable for poor students.

The bill was opposed by Congress, DMK, Shiv Sena, and reportedly by government ally TDP.