Mumbai university proposes 57 new colleges, receives applications for 46

Not a single proposal was received for management, pharmacy, fine arts or teacher training colleges

The University of Mumbai (MU) received 46 applications for new colleges for arts, science, commerce and Law streams. However, not a single proposal was received for management, pharmacy, fine arts or teacher training colleges.

As part of the plan, MU wants three management, two pharmacy , three BEd (special education) and seven fine arts colleges. (HT file)

The applications were received in response to the MU’s advertisement inviting proposals for setting up new colleges in regions that fall under its jurisdiction. The proposals received will be scrutinised and forwarded to the state for final approval.

In its perspective plan for academic year 2018-19, the varsity proposed 57 new colleges in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts in the next two years. However, only 37 of the applications match the provisions made in the perspective plan [document that charts MU’s expansion].

As part of the plan, MU wants three management, two pharmacy , three BEd (special education) and seven fine arts colleges. However, none of the applications received for new colleges fit the bill.

As many as 21 applications were sent for traditional arts, science and commerce colleges, including night and woman colleges, despite the plan having provision for 28 institutes.

An MU official said four scrutiny committees — one each for four faculties namely humanities, commerce and management, science and technology, interdisciplinary — have been formed to scrutinise the applications. Each committee consists of seven members, which include university officials and senior teachers.

Once approved by the various university bodies, the applications will be forwarded to the state approval. After the state nod, the Mu will issue letters of intent to educational trusts willing to set up new colleges.

After construction of college building and appointment of staff, the prospective colleges will go through another round of scrutiny before getting affiliated with the university. The new colleges will be operational by 2019-20.