A draft legislation for creation of an overarching body in higher education prescribes that every new university or institution should have accreditation before it starts functioning. It also sets out tough rules for selection of vice chancellors.<br/><br/>The HRD Ministry today made public the draft bill on creation of National Commission for Higher Education and Research, NCHER which will replace existing statutory bodies like University Grants commission, All India Council of Technical Education, and National Council of Teachers Education.<br/><br/>The draft NCHER Bill says that the proposed body will specify norms and standards for grant of authorisation to a university or a higher educational institution to commence its academic operations. No university or institution empowered by or under law to award any degree or diploma established after the coming into force of this Act shall commence academic operations unless it is so recognised.<br/><br/>The new institution will furnish documents on accreditation when applying for authorisation. <br/><br/>However, a university or institution deemed to be university existing before the commencement of the Act shall be deemed to have been authorised under it, unless revoked. The NCHER will maintain a national registry with names of eligible persons for the post of vice chancellors.