The Central Sanskrit Universities Act, 2020
The Central Sanskrit Universities Act, 2020 is a legislation passed by the Indian Parliament to convert three existing Sanskrit deemed universities into Central Universities, thereby promoting the growth and development of Sanskrit as a classical language and as a medium of higher education.
📘 Objective of the Act
To establish and upgrade three Sanskrit institutions into Central Sanskrit Universities in order to:
Promote Sanskrit learning and research,
Improve institutional structure and funding,
Preserve and propagate Sanskrit and allied subjects,
Provide a modern framework for classical language studies.
🗓️ Timeline
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Bill introduced in Lok Sabha | 11 December 2019 |
| Passed by Lok Sabha | 12 December 2019 |
| Passed by Rajya Sabha | 16 March 2020 |
| President’s assent | 25 March 2020 |
| Act came into effect | 25 March 2020 |
🏛️ Key Institutions Converted
Under the Act, the following three deemed-to-be universities were converted into Central Sanskrit Universities:
| Name Before the Act | Converted Into | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan | Central Sanskrit University | New Delhi |
| Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapeetha | Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri National Sanskrit University | New Delhi |
| Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapeetha | National Sanskrit University | Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh |
📊 Summary Table: Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Promote Sanskrit learning, teaching, and research |
| Universities Covered | 3 existing Sanskrit deemed universities |
| New Status | Declared as Central Universities |
| Medium of Instruction | Sanskrit (mainly), with provision for allied languages and disciplines |
| Courses Offered | Sanskrit, Philosophy, Astrology, Vedas, Vedanta, Nyaya, Ayurveda, etc. |
| Administrative Setup | Includes Chancellor, Vice Chancellor, Court, Executive Council, etc. |
| Jurisdiction | All over India (not confined to one state) |
| Funding | Direct funding by Central Government |
| Reservation Policies | Central university norms apply |
🎯 Key Provisions of the Act
Establishment of Central Universities:
Declares the three Sanskrit institutions as Central Universities.
Brings them under the purview of the University Grants Commission (UGC) and Central university regulations.
Objectives of the Universities:
To preserve Sanskrit as an Indian heritage language.
To promote advanced research in traditional knowledge systems like:
Vedas, Shastras, Agamas, Puranas,
Indian philosophy, grammar, Ayurveda, astrology, and more.
To disseminate Sanskrit knowledge using modern methods and technology.
Structure of Governance:
Each university is to have:
Visitor (President of India),
Chancellor,
Vice Chancellor,
Court (supreme authority),
Executive Council (executive body),
Academic and Finance Committees.
Jurisdiction:
Universities will have jurisdiction over institutions offering Sanskrit education across India.
Admission and Faculty:
Open to Indian and foreign students.
Faculty to include traditional Sanskrit scholars and modern researchers.
Affiliations:
These Central Sanskrit Universities can affiliate other Sanskrit colleges/institutions.
💬 Significance of the Act
| For Sanskrit Language | For Higher Education |
|---|---|
| Institutional boost to Sanskrit | Expands reach of classical language education |
| Encourages traditional knowledge | Enables interdisciplinary Sanskrit research |
| Preserves heritage | Enhances quality through central funding |
| Increases global awareness | Aligns traditional studies with modern systems |
🧾 Criticism and Concerns
Limited scope: Only three institutions included; demand to include more.
Language barrier: Accessibility for non-Sanskrit background students is limited.
Implementation: Need for modernization of curriculum and better outreach.
✅ Conclusion
The Central Sanskrit Universities Act, 2020 is a forward-looking step to give Sanskrit a national platform, equip institutions with better resources, and mainstream Indian traditional knowledge systems. Its success will depend on how well it integrates classical scholarship with modern educational practices. Do write to us if you need any further assistance.
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