A bill seeking to declare National Institute of Designs in four states namely Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, and Haryana as institutions of national importance have been passed by Rajya Sabha on Tuesday. It will allow these institutions to grant diplomas and degrees.

These institutions are currently registered under Societies Registration Act 1860 and cannot confer degrees or diplomas. Earlier on July 30 2019, the National Institute of Design (Amendment) Bill, 2019 was introduced in Rajya Sabha by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. The house passed the bill by voice vote.   

The bill seeks to amend the National Institute of Design Act, 2014. Mr Goyal while replying on the Bill in the Rajya Sabha said that the autonomy of institutes would be ensured. He said, “Except at the time of appointment of member of governing councils, the government has no role to play. Nothing on these institutes come to me (for administration purpose). I am here only because of this bill. We want complete autonomy of the institutes.” On funding private institutes of excellence, he said that government funds can be given for setting up such institutions. He also assured members of roping in industry and academia to make students learn practical concepts.