3 Jul 2009, 1140 hrs IST

NEW DELHI, India: With an aim to reform the country's educational system, Union Human Resources Development Minister Kapil Sibal has proposed a law that intends to end the prevalent malpractices in this sector.

According to a report, Sibal has approved a bill that would penalize all schools, colleges and educational institutions taking capitation fees, for non-transparency in admission procedures and providing incorrect information on infrastructure.

The institutions found guilty of as many as 25 such malpractices earmarked by the HRD Ministry would be subject to a whopping fine of Rs 50 lakh and imprisonment up to 10 years for individuals.

According to information available, a bill in this regard has been signed by the HRD Minister and forwarded to the Union Law Ministry.

This law would cover all medical and engineering colleges and universities when it comes into effect.

The HRD Ministry has also proposed the setting up of a single member tribunal headed by a retired judge for redressal of grievances.

Similarly, criminal cases can be pursued in the court of metropolitan magistrates.

The HRD Ministry now intends to get the Cabinet's approval so that the bill can be introduced in the Winter Session of Parliament.

If approved, the bill would bring a major respite for students and their parents when the admission starts in the next academic session.

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