New Delhi, March 19 -- Congress MP Jairam Ramesh on Thursday raised concerns over the proposed Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan (VBSA) Bill, 2025, warning that it could have a grave impact on the academic autonomy of Institutes of National Importance (INIs), which include the IITs, IIMs, NITs, IIITs, and IISERs.

In its letter, Jairam Ramesh cited Clause 49 of the draft Bill, alleging that it would have an overriding effect over all other laws currently in force. He asserted that under the IIT Act of 1961, IITs are empowered to create their own academic programs without requiring further approvals, a mandate he warns may get compromised as these premier institutions likely fall under the new Commission's direct regulatory powers.

"The VB...