Strengthening Oversight of Autonomous Bodies in Higher Education

Overview of the Review

Strengthening Oversight of Autonomous Bodies in Higher Education: The Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committee (DRPSC) has presented a detailed review of major Autonomous Bodies functioning under the Department of Higher Education. These bodies are central to India’s education governance, as many of them regulate examinations, accreditation, research funding, and academic standards. Autonomous bodies may be established through an Act of Parliament or registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.

The committee highlighted institutional challenges and recommended targeted reforms to ensure transparency, efficiency, and accountability.

Static GK fact: The Societies Registration Act, 1860 is one of the oldest functioning laws in India governing the registration of literary, scientific, and charitable societies.

Issues in Examination and Assessment

The National Testing Agency (NTA) was notably flagged for concerns related to question paper leakage, postponement of exams like CUET, and delays in declaring results. Vendor management and procedural inconsistencies were also highlighted. These issues directly affect students’ trust in national-level entrance examinations.

The report stressed that the credibility of central exams needs urgent strengthening.

Static GK Tip: NTA was established in 2017 to conduct standardized entrance tests across India.

Accreditation Challenges in NAAC

The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) faces criticism for its lengthy and highly bureaucratic accreditation process. Allegations of corruption and inconsistencies in assessment were noted as major concerns. Institutions in rural and tribal regions reportedly face additional hurdles in navigating accreditation requirements.

The committee recommended simplifying procedures and adopting flexible norms for disadvantaged regions.

Static GK fact: NAAC operates under the University Grants Commission, headquartered in Bengaluru.

Governance and Regulatory Gaps in UGC

The University Grants Commission (UGC) continues to operate with the Chairperson’s post vacant, creating administrative delays, including the finalization of the Draft UGC Regulations 2025. Infrastructure deficits and slow recruitment, particularly under EWS quotas, were also mentioned as pressing gaps.

The committee called for immediate appointment of leadership and timely issuance of updated regulations.

Static GK fact: UGC is a constitutional body under the UGC Act, 1956, responsible for coordinating and maintaining higher education standards.

Funding and Staffing Concerns in Research Councils

The Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR) was noted to be operating with inadequate budgets, affecting research initiatives and infrastructure development. Meanwhile, the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) has not fully implemented Seventh Pay Commission recommendations and faces significant staff shortages.

Strengthening staffing norms and enhancing financial support were key recommendations. Static GK Tip: ICSSR was established in 1969 to promote social science research across India.

Committee’s Key Recommendations

The committee proposed transparent paper-setting, strict examination timelines, and expanded pen-and-paper mode for NTA exams. For NAAC, the emphasis was on streamlined accreditation and flexibility for institutions in remote regions. For UGC, a new Chairperson and inclusion of issues like caste-based harassment and disability provisions in regulations were suggested. Both ICHR and ICSSR were advised to improve budgets, infrastructure, pay parity, and staff recruitment mechanisms.

Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table

Strengthening Oversight of Autonomous Bodies in Higher Education: