Government will review the functioning of existing deemed universities which have come under spotlight following allegations of heavy capitation fee charged by some of these institutions.

An autonomous overarching authority for higher education and research based on the recommendations of Yashpal committee and the National Knowledge Commission would be established.

Sibal said a law will be enacted to prevent, prohibit and punish educational malpractices. For the disadvantaged sections of the society, Equal Opportunity Offices would be created in all universities, he said adding a new policy on distance learning would be formulated.

The ambitious bill to provide free and compulsory education to children in the age group of 6 to 14 will be taken up during the budget session.

The government also wants to set up an All India Madrassa Board which will award degrees equivalent to CBSE and other boards. The board will frame policy to impart secular and technical education to Muslims without interfering with the religious teachings. "We will strive to evolve a consensus on this issue," he said.