The Lok Sabha on November 26, 2019, has passed the National Institute of Design (Amendment) Bill, 2019.
The Bill was introduced in the Rajya Sabha on July 30, 2019, by Minister of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Piyush Goyal. Subsequently, it was passed by the Upper House on August 6, 2019.
The Bill seeks to amend the National Institute of Design Act, 2014, which declares the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad as an institution of national importance.
Moreover, it also seeks to declare four National Institutes of Design in Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, and Haryana as institutions of national importance.
Currently, these institutes are registered as Societies under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, and do not have the power to grant degrees or diplomas. On being declared institutions of national importance, the four institutes will be granted the power to grant degrees and diplomas.
The Bill will now be placed before the President for his assent.
(With inputs from PRS)