Alappuzha, July 18 -- Congress General Secretary (Organisation) and MP KC Venugopal on Saturday voiced concern over the proposed Higher Education Commission Bill, alleging that it would centralise control over universities and undermine the autonomy of higher education institutions.

Speaking at the official declaration ceremony marking the autonomous status granted to St Joseph's College in Alappuzha, Venugopal said the education sector should remain free from political interference.

"Education should not be controlled by those in power or the opposition based on political interests. Higher education is facing major challenges. The proposed Higher Education Commission Bill will render the University Grants Commission (UGC) irrelevant. I...