MUMBAI: The Maharashtra government has identified 1,499 locations across the state to start new colleges in the next five years. The plan is based on proposals submitted by universities.
The higher and technical education department has received proposals for 1,537 new locations, of which 1,499 were approved on Wednesday by the Maharashtra State Commission for Higher Education and Development (MAHED) which met under the chairmanship of CM Shinde.
Mumbai University‘s share of new colleges, at least in the first year of the plan, is in single digit, sources said.
MU share of new colleges lower than other univs
A total of 593 new colleges in the state got final approval in the last five years, according to an official. In 2019, when the last 5-year plan was floated for the academic years 2019-20 to 2023-24, 1,049 locations were identified. These were the ones shortlisted from proposals for 3,913 locations, of which MAHED approved 2,819. An official said once locations are finalised, applications are invited from the managements of colleges. Eventually, 593 got the nod.
Last year, higher education minister Chandrakant Patil had said that permission for new colleges would be given only to those offering innovative skill-oriented courses. This year, when the perspective plans were sought by the state, Mumbai University submitted an expansion plan in alignment with the National Education Policy 2020. The university put out a roadmap for setting up institutions and new courses based on geographical and industrial requirements while prioritising skill education.
MU’s plan did not include provisions to start traditional arts, commerce, science colleges in the coming years. Instead it drew up locations to start women’s and night colleges and also satellite centres in seven districts under the university’s jurisdiction. Courses were also recommended based on skill sets required for local industries, women, students from backward classes and tribal areas. A government official said Mumbai University’s share of new colleges from the total 1,499, at least in the first year of the plan is comparatively lower than the other universities; they are merely in single digit. Officials from the university remained unavailable for comment. Proposals were also sought from non-agricultural universities in line with provisions of the Maharashtra Public Universities Act and approved by MAHED.
The meeting on Wednesday was held at the government’s Sahyadri Guest House and was attended by Shinde, deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, Patil, skill development and entrepreneurship minister Mangalprabhat Lodha and principal education secretary Vikas Chandra Rastogi.
The higher and technical education department has received proposals for 1,537 new locations, of which 1,499 were approved on Wednesday by the Maharashtra State Commission for Higher Education and Development (MAHED) which met under the chairmanship of CM Shinde.
Mumbai University‘s share of new colleges, at least in the first year of the plan, is in single digit, sources said.
MU share of new colleges lower than other univs
A total of 593 new colleges in the state got final approval in the last five years, according to an official. In 2019, when the last 5-year plan was floated for the academic years 2019-20 to 2023-24, 1,049 locations were identified. These were the ones shortlisted from proposals for 3,913 locations, of which MAHED approved 2,819. An official said once locations are finalised, applications are invited from the managements of colleges. Eventually, 593 got the nod.
Last year, higher education minister Chandrakant Patil had said that permission for new colleges would be given only to those offering innovative skill-oriented courses. This year, when the perspective plans were sought by the state, Mumbai University submitted an expansion plan in alignment with the National Education Policy 2020. The university put out a roadmap for setting up institutions and new courses based on geographical and industrial requirements while prioritising skill education.
MU’s plan did not include provisions to start traditional arts, commerce, science colleges in the coming years. Instead it drew up locations to start women’s and night colleges and also satellite centres in seven districts under the university’s jurisdiction. Courses were also recommended based on skill sets required for local industries, women, students from backward classes and tribal areas. A government official said Mumbai University’s share of new colleges from the total 1,499, at least in the first year of the plan is comparatively lower than the other universities; they are merely in single digit. Officials from the university remained unavailable for comment. Proposals were also sought from non-agricultural universities in line with provisions of the Maharashtra Public Universities Act and approved by MAHED.
The meeting on Wednesday was held at the government’s Sahyadri Guest House and was attended by Shinde, deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, Patil, skill development and entrepreneurship minister Mangalprabhat Lodha and principal education secretary Vikas Chandra Rastogi.
