Govt forced to defer key education reforms bill

The government faced embarrassment in the Rajya Sabha today as it was forced to defer a key education reforms bill following strong opposition from members cutting across party lines.

Human resources development minister Kapil Sibal had to make a hasty retreat after the Education Tribunal Bill, 2010 came under all round attack including from senior Congress leader K Keshava Rao.

This is despite the fact that the bill, seeking to create a mechanism for providing speedy resolution of disputes pertaining to higher education institutions, was passed by Lok Sabha on August 26. UPA does not have a majority in the Upper House.

"Considering the sentiments of honourable members of this House, I request that the consideration of the bill be deferred to the next session," Sibal said.

The minister at the same time disagreed with the apprehensions expressed by the opposition saying, "We are not in anyway infringing upon the rights of the states. It's a significant piece of legislation and if members want a larger debate, we have no problem."