BCI Not Affected With Higher Education Bill: Sibal

After facing strong opposition from the BCI (Bar Council of India) on the Research and Higher Education Bill HRD Ministry has finally clarified that the proposed Higher Education Bill will not impact the present authorities and activities of the council.

The ministry also stated that the BCI will have the authority to set minimum standards for awarding degrees to the future professional practitioners. Ministry officials revealed that a meeting was held between HRD ministry headed by Kapil Sibal and Bar Council to arrive at a common agreement.

The objections were raised by BCI as certain clauses of the proposed legislation could create adverse effects on the autonomy of the council and universities offering judicial education. The bill included a proposal for creating a universal supreme body in higher education sector that will include all other regulatory bodies such as AICTE and UGC.

Sources from HRD ministry revealed that BCI will be the official accrediting agency with respect to evaluating minimum standards as well as determining fees from the institutes for accreditation. However, BCI will have to adhere to the norms and accreditation process laid down by the Indian Government or a suitable statutory authority.