Ministry:
Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
- The Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2022 was introduced in Lok Sabha on August 1, 2022. The Bill amends the Central Universities Act, 2009, which provides for establishing central universities in various states. Key features of the Bill include:
- Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya: The Bill seeks to convert the National Rail and Transportation Institute, Vadodara (a deemed university) to the Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, which will be a central university. The National Rail and Transportation Institute was declared a deemed university under the University Grants Commission Act, 1956. The Vishwavidyalaya will be sponsored and funded by the central government through the Ministry of Railways.
- Scope of education: The Bill provides that Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya will take measures to provide quality teaching, research, and skill development in disciplines related to transportation, technology, and management. If required, the University may also establish centres in India and abroad. According to the Statement of Objects and Reasons, establishment of the Vishwavidyalaya will address the need of trained talent in the transportation sector.
- Appointment of a new Vice-Chancellor (VC): The existing VC of the National Rail and Transportation Institute will hold office for: (i) six months from when the Act is notified, or (ii) until a new VC for the Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya is appointed, whichever is earlier.
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