Cabinet approves proposal for withdrawal of Nalanda University (Amendment) Bill, 2013

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the proposal for withdrawal of Nalanda University (Amendment) Bill, 2013 pending in the Rajya Sabha.

Few facts related to Nalanda University are:

• The announcement of establishing the Nalanda University was made at the 4th East Asia Summit held in Thailand in October 2009.
• It was established as a non-state, non-profit, secular and self-governing international institution.
• The Parliament passed the Nalanda University Act, 2010 which came into effect from 25 November 2010. 
• Hon'ble President of India is the Visitor of the University.
• Dr. Vijay Bhatkar is the Chancellor.
• Professor Sunaina Singh is the Vice Chancellor.
• At present, the University has 116 students in three schools of studies namely School of Historical Studies, School of Ecology and Environment Studies and School of Buddhist Studies. This includes 35 international students from 21 foreign countries. 

On August 26, 2013, the Nalanda University (Amendment) Bill, 2013 was introduced in the Rajya Sabha to amend certain existing provisions of the Nalanda University Act, 2010 and add some new provisions.
This current proposal is for moving a motion in the Rajya Sabha to withdraw that Bill.
After the approval of Hon'ble President of India, the Governing Board of Nalanda University came into effect from 21st November 2016.
The Nalanda University (Amendment) Bill, 2013 will be discussed with the current Governing Board of Nalanda University before a final decision is made as far as going with the proposed amendments is concerned.
It must also be noted that the Governing Board may also look into the entire Nalanda University Act, 2010 afresh and suggest amendments/additions wherever necessary.