Maharashtra: Prominent colleges to get autonomy to match global standards

In a bid to reduce its financial burden without having to compromise on the quality of education, the government of Maharashtra has decided to award autonomous status to some of the prominent colleges of the state. The state cabinet on Tuesday accredited the status to Pune-based Fergusson College, the first to get the status.

“As per the Rashtriya Uchchattam Shikshan Abhiyan, the central government has sponsored the scheme to improve the quality of education. The expenses of these autonomous colleges will be borne by the Centre and the state government with a ratio of 60:40. However, the state government has been facing a huge fund crunch. So, it has told the colleges who are applying for the autonomous status that the state’s 40 per cent contribution should be shared by them only while the 60 per cent fund they can obtain from the Centre under Rashtriya Uchchattam Shikshan Abhiyan,” a senior government official said on the condition of anonymity.

A total of 800 colleges are affiliated with the Mumbai and Pune University and more than seven lakh students study here. However, as per the global standards, there should be a maximum of 100 colleges affiliated with any varsity with a strength of 50,000 students.

“Most of our universities are overburdened. We want to cut down this burden. So, we have got two options: either division of the university or autonomous status to colleges. Colleges which are financially strong and have got the legacy of educations can apply for the status. Besides, they are getting a good ranking by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and other educational parameters. These colleges can come forward and get the autonomous status. It will help reduce the financial burden of the state and improve the education quality at the same time,” the official, who was part of the cabinet meeting on Tuesday, added.

The cabinet note says that the government has decided to give the autonomous status in order for the colleges to compete with international universities. “Our focus is to teach the job oriented syllabus. Besides, emphasising on the research and development and innovations. The government will provide the fund for the development of infrastructure and all-round development of students. We are have also received the applications from Saint Xavier’s college, Mumbai. We have also issued the notification allowing to set up the self-financed and autonomous universities. The government cannot take every responsibility and burden. Henceforth, we will work as a regulator,” the official said.

CRITERIA

800 colleges are affiliated with the Mumbai, Pune University. As per global standards, there should be a maximum of 100 colleges affiliated with any varsity with a strength of 50,000 students