The Human Resource Development Ministry’s proposed legislation about the distance learning sector regulator is facing obstacles again. The proposal was an attempt in creating a Distance Education Council (DEC), an independent distance learning sector regulator.

The cabinet has decided to pass it on to the Group of Ministers (GoM). Though the Human Resource Development minister has agreed to that the members of GoM has not been finalized. This happens to be the second proposal to be sent to the GoM much before Parliament session – first it was the Right To Education that was sent to the GoM this August and now it is the turn of DEC.

The Bill aims to set up a self-governing and constitutional supervisory body in the structure of a nineteen members forming the DEC to supervise and control open learning standards of in the country. It has been learnt that this proposal was strongly challenged by Kamal Nath, Commerce & Industry Minister and Arjun Singh, HRD Minister. Eventually they decided that the bill should be send to the GoM.

The DEC is supposed to have the following members on board: Vice Chancellor, IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University); Secretary of Higher Education, Human Resource Development Ministry; Secretary UGC (University Grants Commission); Director of NAAC (National Assessment & Accreditation Council); UGC member who is to be nominated by the UGC Chairman; 2 board members nominated of IGNOU; and 3 individuals nominated by visitors to universities.

Taking into consideration the enormous expansion and function of the private segment in this open learning segment, the DEC would have 2 heads on board of institutes who would offer distance education programs.

This latest regulator is going to be an autonomous constitutional body, hence central university is not authorized to take any decisions on its behalf.