Parliament Passes Bill To Set Up Central University In UT Of Ladakh

While witnessing the opposition parties (Congress, TMC, and DMK) walk out, Rajya Sabha passed the bill via voice vote.

File Photo.

Ladakh: The Indian Parliament on Monday passed the Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2021 seeking to establish a central university in Ladakh. 

While witnessing the opposition parties (Congress, TMC, and DMK) walk out, Rajya Sabha passed the bill via voice vote. Earlier on Friday, the Lok Sabha had given its nod to the Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2021. 

"Leh, Ladakh, is a priority area for the prime minister...we are committed to establishing a quality institution," Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan was quoted by PTI in its report. 

In order to increase the accessibility and quality of education, the Union government has decided to establish a central varsity in the Union Territory of Ladakh. At present, the UT of Ladakh does not have a central university of its own, and therefore many students have to migrate in order to pursue higher education. Highlighting this, the Education Minister in its earlier statement had said that around 7,000 students move out of Ladakh for study and with the establishment of the central varsity, nearly 2,500 students will get an opportunity to study in their own city. 

As per the Statement of Objects and Reasons, the Bill seeks to amend the existing Central Universities Act, 2009, to provide for the establishment of a varsity named "Sindhu Central University" in Ladakh. The varsity is intended to cater to other areas of the UT including Leh and Kargil. 

The government had said that the varsity is likely to reduce the imbalance in the Education sector of the region and provide opportunities to the students belonging to the UT of Ladakh to pursue higher educational opportunities. 

(With inputs from PTI)