Keypoints:
- The perspective plan cleared at the MU senate meeting had proposed 36 colleges; with only one night college in the island city in Dadar.
- State government grants permission for a BMC college too.
The state has approved the deck for 54 new colleges under the university of Mumbai, after adding 18 new locations to the perspective plans set by the varsity. 36 colleges were proposed and the perspective plan was cleared at the MU senate meeting with only one night college in the island city in Dadar. But, the state government had granted permission for a BMC college too.
Other new colleges proposed for the academic year 2021-22 include arts, commerce and science colleges, law colleges, night colleges and hospitality studies institutes.
“While the university has invited applications from managements and edupreneurs to start colleges at the locations approved, not many may be interested in investing in the next academic year,” said a university management council member.
“Last year, the senate had invited managements to start colleges in Dadar and Kherwadi, but there were no takers. It seems unlikely we are going to have anyone interested in starting new colleges in the new academic year too,” said a senate member.
For the planning, an MU committee first notes the existing colleges, the courses provided by each one, the industries in the area and matches it to the college-going population count. A survey among parents and students also has to be conducted to know the popularity of courses and the local requirements based on aspirations and job possibilities. All this is charted on a locational map, which provides an indication of the shortfall in colleges or excess, and is valid for five years. Once the senate clears it, the plan is sent to the state for approval. College managements that wish to start new colleges in the areas listed by the university can then send in their applications.
The senate has also approved fresh locations that include Thane: Mira Road ( Arts, science and commerce along with hospitality studies), Titwala, Shahapur, apart from a night college in Ulhasnagar.
