Edu-leaders

The introduction of a bill to establish a central agricultural university in Bundelkhand region was deferred amid opposition protests in the Rajya Sabha. As the Rajya Sabha met, Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar rose to introduce the Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agriculture University Bill.

Opposition members, however, objected stating that agriculture education is a state subject and the central government cannot set up the university in Bundelkhand. Agriculture, including agricultural education and research, is a state subject - according to the constitution.

Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister Kapil Sibal intervened to defend his cabinet colleague and pointed out to Deputy Chairman K. Rahman Khan that education was in the concurrent list.

He said a central agriculture university has been earlier created in Imphal in Manipur. After listening to both sides, Khan decided to grant leave for introduction of the bill.

The proposal for the agriculture university was approved by the union cabinet in November. It is to have two colleges each in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, with headquarters in Jhansi. (Source: igovernment)