Parliament Passes Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2022

The Rajya Sabha today passed the Bill to amend the Central Universities Act, 2009, which provides for establishing central universities in various states. It was passed by the Lok Sabha on August 3.

The Bill seeks to convert the National Rail and Transportation University, Vadodara, a deemed to be University, into Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, an autonomous Central University under the administrative control of the Ministry of Railways. It will be incorporated as a body corporate.

The scope of the proposed University will also extend beyond the railways to cover entire transport sector to support the ambitious growth and modernisation of the sector.

As per the government, its establishment will address the "need of talent in the strategically important and expanding transportation sector and meet the demand for trained talent to fuel the growth and expansion of the sector."

The Statement of Objects and reasons annexed to the Bill states that the proposed University will––

(i) reverse brain drain and create critical capability and capacity by developing masters and doctoral degrees in transportation;

(ii) go a long way in making the nation self-reliant in the transportation sector through its programs for skilling and digitising India;

(iii) carry out critically-needed research and development by creating innovative technologies to encourage local manufacturing and substitute the imports of expensive technology, equipment and products; and

(iv) take additional measures for providing high quality teaching, research and skill development in diverse disciplines related to transportation, technology and management including establishing centres in India and abroad.

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