In the tussle between the Prime Minister's Office and the Human Resource Development Ministry, for the proposed regulations to set up 20 world-class institutes, the matter has now reached the office of the solicitor general of India.
After new HRD minister had taken over the charge, the ministry referred the draft regulations to the law ministry. However, the law ministry later sought the advice of the solicitor general to determine the legality of such regulations.
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As per a review of the HRD ministry, the regulations were to be readied by August 2016. The HRD ministry has sought clarity from the law ministry if such regulations can be formulated under the UGC Act, 1956, Section 26.
The regulations envisage to create a class of degree-granting 'world class institutes' as a special category under deemed universities which is to be governed by a separate set of regulations.
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It is envisaged that in the case of the world-class institutes, a special category for these institutes be created within the segment of deemed-to-be universities. Since going through the process of a longer legislative route may invite roadblocks and delays. However, the these proposed regulations may run into trouble with the office of the prime minister over greater autonomy and a relaxed regulatory regime.