Plan panel reluctant to fund law ministry plan

Law Minister M. Veerappa Moily’s plan to set up five centres for advanced legal studies and research for the first time across the nation has not found favour with the Planning Commission.

Law Minister M. Veerappa Moily’s plan to set up five centres for advanced legal studies and research for the first time across the nation has not found favour with the Planning Commission.

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The draft of the Centres for Advanced Legal Studies and Research Bill, 2010, finalised by the ministry, provides for establishment of autonomous centres for advanced research in law.

“The objective is to carry out cutting-edge research and to serve as a think tank for advising the government… and promotion of academic excellence,” states the draft bill.

The Planning Commission, which would have to provide funds for the project, is however, not convinced with the ministry’s view.

It feels there is no need for separate funding to the ministry since funds are provided either through HRD ministry or University Grants Commission for research in specific subjects.

“The Indian Law institute has been given money in the past for doing research on issues related to law,” said a commission official. The commission had also cited constraints in funds for not supporting this initiative.

The ministry is hopeful of winning the plan panel’s nod for its project. “We will place our case firmly before the Commission and we are confident that they will listen to us and provide adequate funds,” said a top ministry official.

One objective for setting these centres is the “development and promotion of academic excellence amongst the faculty members of various law schools and colleges in India”, says the draft legislation.