Fri Dec 19 14:12:24 UTC 2025: Summary:
The All India Democratic Students’ Organisation (AIDSO) is strongly opposing the recently approved Viksit Bharat Education Supervision Bill, formerly known as the HECI Bill. They argue the bill centralizes control over higher education by dissolving existing regulatory bodies and establishing a single authority under direct Central government control. AIDSO claims this move undermines the autonomy of educational institutions, threatens democratic values, and is linked to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s promotion of centralisation, communalisation, commercialisation, and privatisation of education. They are calling for students, teachers, and activists to unite against these policies and defend a secular, scientific, and universal education system.
News Article:
Student Group Decries Education Bill, Cites Centralization Threat
Kalaburagi, India – December 19, 2025 – The All India Democratic Students’ Organisation (AIDSO) has launched a strong protest against the Viksit Bharat Education Supervision Bill, approved by the Union Cabinet. The student organization alleges the legislation, formerly known as the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) Bill, will drastically centralize control over higher education by creating a single regulatory authority directly under the Central government.
AIDSO officials claim the bill dissolves crucial existing bodies like the UGC, AICTE, and NCTE, thereby eroding the autonomy of universities and colleges. The organization fears the Union government’s majority appointment power within the proposed HECI will allow for undue influence over academic standards and regulations.
The student group has connected the bill to the controversial National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, accusing it of promoting centralisation, communalisation, commercialisation, and privatisation within the education system. They have cited concerns about budget cuts, curricular interference, and attacks on secular values.
“This bill represents a significant step toward authoritarian control over education,” stated Kambali Manjunath, AIDSO’s Ballari district secretary. “We urge students, teachers, and education activists to unite against these fascist tendencies and defend a secular, scientific, and universal education system.”
AIDSO has called on progressive and left-leaning student groups to join their movement against the bill, which they see as a critical threat to the future of higher education in India.
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