The push for clear language on institutional autonomy, particularly for premier higher education institutions such as IITs and IIMs, by the JPC headed by BJP MP and former minister of state for HRD D Purandeshwari, examining Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill, is the right move. Operational and academic autonomy are the basic minimum if higher education institutions (HEIs) are to be hubs of innovation and knowledge creation.

The Bill should not just incorporate the existing statutory protection for the autonomy of premier HEIs designated as Institutions of National Importance. Academic and operational autonomy are the lifeblood of HIEs - they cannot be the privilege of HEIs. The Bill should include provisions that recognise the autonomy enjoyed by universities designated as Category I and II based on accreditation scores while also including provisions that give all HEIs the autonomy and space to deliver. A single regulator, as proposed by the Bill, will create efficiencies by reducing regulatory overlaps. Such efficiency should allow more space for institutions to encourage innovation, R&D and academic excellence.

Innovation is critical for India's journey to becoming viksit. Having come late to the game, India cannot afford to take the linear path - first becoming a manufacturing hub, then graduating to a knowledge and innovation centre. All higher education institutions should have the space and freedom to explore, experiment and encourage innovation. The regulator must maintain oversight and, when necessary, provide support and guidance to ensure that HEIs are delivering. It should be more than the sum of the 3 regulators that will be subsumed - the new regulator should be an enabler and watchdog to help HEIs become centres and creators of excellence.