State to allow technical colleges to shift to parent universities

Institutions raised multiple concerns, including geographical distance from BATU’s Lonere campus, administrative difficulties, and delays in examination and result declaration processes.

Pune: In a major policy shift, the state Higher and Technical Education department decided to make affiliation with Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological University (BATU) optional for technical colleges. An ordinance is expected next week. Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil made the announcement during a media interaction in Pune on Thursday.

State to allow technical colleges to shift to parent universities

BATU, established as a technological university, was envisioned as an umbrella body for all technical institutions in the state. From around 2016–17 onwards, engineering, pharmacy, and management colleges were directed to affiliate with BATU, moving away from their parent universities. However, the move faced resistance from several colleges across Maharashtra.

Institutions raised multiple concerns, including geographical distance from BATU’s Lonere campus, administrative difficulties, and delays in examination and result declaration processes. Issues related to mismanagement, lack of adequate manpower, and operational inefficiencies further added to dissatisfaction among affiliated colleges. As a result, several institutions demanded a return to their original universities and called for amendments to the BATU Act.

The university also remained in the spotlight due to administrative challenges. Former vice-chancellor (VC) Karbhari Kale resigned before completing his tenure amid ongoing controversies related to examinations and governance.The state has now appointed Rajnish Kamat as the acting vice-chancellor.

The minister also indicated that BATU will be developed as a “campus university” focusing on specialised and employment-oriented courses, rather than functioning as the sole affiliating body for technical colleges.