Given below are two statements
Statement I: To address inter-state variations at all levels of Education, it was brought on to the Concurrent list in the Constitution in 1976.
Statement II: The institutions approved under State Legislative Act are not empowered to award degrees
In light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct option is C

Statement I is true because education was indeed shifted to the Concurrent List in 1976 through the 42nd Amendment to the Constitution of India. This change allowed both the central and state governments to legislate on education matters, addressing regional variations and promoting a more standardized approach to educational policies across states. Statement II is false because institutions established under a State Legislative Act are indeed empowered to award degrees, provided they meet the requirements set by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and other relevant authorities. Such institutions include state universities and deemed-to-be universities, which are recognized and authorized to confer degrees.
Information Booster:
1. The Concurrent List gives both the Centre and States the power to make laws on education, promoting uniformity in educational policies.
2. The shift of education to the Concurrent List allowed the central government to play a more active role in improving educational standards across states.
3. State Legislative Acts can establish universities and other higher education institutions that are empowered to award degrees, provided they meet UGC regulations.
4. Institutions approved by the UGC under state laws have the authority to confer degrees, diplomas, and certificates.
5. The UGC, established in 1956, regulates higher education institutions in India to ensure standards are maintained.