National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad has been declared institution of national importance by the Act of Parliament, under the National Institute of Design Act, 2013. The Bill was passed unanimously by the lok Sabha on July 9 and by Rajya Sabha on July 7. The Bill will now be forwarded to the President of India for his assent, following which the Act will be published by the Ministry of law.
NID will now be authorised to deliver degrees and offer doctorates. Till date, 40 institutes have been declared as institutions of national importance, NID being the 41st. The setting up of NID in 1965, was originally a unique experiment in education and learning, that offered a contextual background for the creative industry, for social and economic development.
Pradyumna Vyas, director NID, says, “It is very heartening to see that design has been brought to the forefront. It is indeed a big recognition for the design profession in the country and this Bill will give an impetus to the activities of NID and position design at a higher level, giving design education in India a global foothold. I am sure the students and faculty will get immense benefit with this recognition. The status of institution of national importance will also help in repositioning the institute globally for networking with premiere design organisations, create additional opportunities for research scholars, faculty and student exchange and boost design research in the country.”