Proposal to build university’s sub-centre in Thane takes off

Nearly four years after its announcement, the foundation stone of Mumbai University’s sub-centre was laid on Tuesday at Balkumb in Thane (West).

Nearly four years after its announcement, the foundation stone of Mumbai University’s sub-centre was laid on Tuesday at Balkumb in Thane (West).

HT Image

The sub-centre will benefit more than two lakh students from the district.

Initially, the sub-centre will have an administrative set-up wherein students get forms for eligibility, re-evaluation and other university-related issues, instead of going to Kalina.

Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik laid the foundation stone. State minister for higher technical education, Rajesh Tope, and vice-chancellor of the University of Mumbai Rajan Welukar were also present.

“I don’t look at this as a sub-centre but as a campus. Though it will be used for administrative purposes initially, we want to develop the campus,” Welukar said.

The announcement for the sub-centre was made in August 2006, after which, a plot was allotted by the BMC in August 2007. In March 2009, the varsity acquired the plot after de-reservation. Welukar said it will take at least six months to start work on the centre because they are yet to make a plan.