The Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2022

Introduction

The Central Universities Bill was introduced by Skill Development and Entrepreneurship ministry in Lok Sabha on August 1, 2022. The Bill has been passed in Lok Sabha on August 3, and in Rajya Sabha on August 8, 2022. 

          The Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2022 seeks to amend the Central Universities Act, 2009, which provides for establishing central universities in various states. The Act also seeks to convert the National Rail and Transportation Institute at Vadodara into Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalay which will be a central university. The bill focuses on energy transition, favouring renewable energy sources and

          The National Rail and Transportation Institute has been declared a deemed university. The Bill provides that Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalay will take measures to provide quality teaching, research and skill development in disciplines related to transportation, technology and management.

          Speaking on the Bill, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted its importance, saying that the transport sector is important in the economy. He said railways, highways and waterways infrastructure will be pushed through the Gati Shakti master plan. Railway has made provision of 166 crore rupees for this University along with additional funds for infrastructure development.