Autonomy for 83 Pune varsity colleges

12/4/2018

PUNE: As many as 83 colleges affiliated to Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) are likely to get academic autonomy. Such a decision was taken by the governor, vice-chancellor of Pune university and chief minister Devendra Fadanvis, recently.

Colleges that have received ‘A +’ grade from National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) would be considered for the distinction. As more and more colleges are getting affiliated to Pune university, managing them has become difficult leading to awarding academic autonomy to top grade institutes.

Vice-chancellor Nitin Karmalkar said the state government was unable to establish or add a new university considering finances and other aspects. It would be best to give autonomy to colleges that are capable, he added.

Karmalkar said, “The capabilities of the colleges would be judged from the grades NAAC has awarded. All ‘A+’ graded institutes and colleges would be eligible for autonomy. There are 83 such institutes under SPPU.”

The University Grants Commission (UGC) had earlier announced that all ‘A+’ colleges would be eligible for academic autonomy. However, not a single application was received by the university for availing the scheme.

Karmalkar said they will soon conduct a meeting of all 83 college representatives and explain the importance and benefits of autonomy status. “Autonomy is the need of the hour and we hope maximum colleges take it up,” he added.

Pune university will also invite 15 colleges already autonomous under its jurisdiction to narrate their experiences and how it improved the functioning and academic culture in their institutes.