The Indian Congress party has labeled the VBSA Bill a 'constitutional overreach,' expressing concerns that it risks the autonomy of institutions like IITs and IIMs, encroaches on State powers, bureaucratises higher education, and lacks state consultation on higher education reforms.

An Indian parliamentary panel is engaged in a heated debate over the proposed VBSA Bill, which critics argue violates the federal character of the Constitution and could significantly alter the landscape of higher education in India.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has told a joint parliamentary panel that the VBSA Bill is a 'solution' to current challenges and a 'catalyst' for growth, following extensive consultations for the NEP 2020.