Schools of Planning and Architecture Bill gets Parliament nod

NEW DELHI: A bill for converting three Schools of Planning and Architecture (SPAs) into centres of excellence was passed by Parliament today, with the government expressing confidence that such schools will help in setting up of smart cities.

The government also assured members that the reservation policy will be put in place and there will be international tie-ups and global experts to impart world class education.

The School of Planning and Architecture Bill 2014 was passed in the Rajya Sabha today. The bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on December 3.

Winding up discussion on the bill, HRD Minister Smriti Irani assured the House that the reservation policy with regard to admission of students and faculty recruitment will "completely be followed" in SPAs similar to what is being done in IITs, NITs and IIMs.

Currently, the SPAs are located in Delhi, Bhopal and Vijayawada. The bill aims to empower these institutes to grant degrees to students. That apart, it also has provision to set up a council, which can recommend creation of new SPAs.

Responding to an amendment moved by a TMC member Kanwarr Deep Singh who sought changes in the bill for setting up of a SPA in Kolkata, the minister said, "There is a provision for setting up of a council. The council can recommend opening of new SPAs to the government."

Satisfied by the minister's reply, the TMC leader withdrew the amendment and the bill was passed.

Noting that the SPAs can contribute in setting up "Smart Cities" in India, Irani said, "Smart cities are not misnomer or fallacy but they are going to be a reality as the government is pursuing to set up such cities seriously. SPAs can contribute to the development of Smart Cities."

On a member's suggestion to have a visitor other than 'President of India' to SPAs and other central universities, the Minister said it cannot be done.

"President Pranab Mukherjee has taken a lot of measures to impart and improve education in the country. If we replace, it gives an impression that we don't appreciate his leadership," she said.

The Minister also assured members that their suggestion to incorporate subjects related to disabled-friendly buildings, restoration and conservation of historical structures, green buildings among others are already part of the syllabus of SPAs.