Parliament Monday passed the Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2021 which seeks to establish a Central University in the Union Territory of Ladakh.

The Rajya Sabha passed the bill with a voice vote amidst a walkout by the opposition parties including the Congress, TMC and DMK as a protest over the Pegasus snooping row, farm laws and other issues. The bill was cleared by Lok Sabha last week.

Replying to a discussion on the bill, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said, "Leh, Ladakh, is a priority area for the prime minister. We are committed to establish a quality institution." According to the Statement of Objects and Reasons of the bill, at present, there is no Central University in Ladakh and therefore, the government has decided to establish a new one there to ensure an increase in accessibility and quality of higher education.

It also aims to facilitate and promote avenues of higher education and research for the people of the Union territory. This shall also cater to the regional aspirations for years to come, it said. According to the Statement of Objects, the bill seeks to amend the Central Universities Act, 2009, to provide for the establishment of a university named "Sindhu Central University" in Ladakh. The university will cater to all areas of Ladakh that include Leh and Kargil. The government had said the university is expected to reduce the imbalance in the region in the education sector and also help students of Ladakh get quality higher education opportunities.