Maharashtra: Implementation of Universities Act Undecided, Discussions Underway

A high-level meeting is taking place in Mumbai regarding the implementation of Maharashtra Public Universities Act 2016 which came into force on March 1, 2017. Vice-Chancellors from various universities are taking part in this high-level meet on March 3, 2017, to discuss various possibilities of implementing the Act. Currently, the issue has been the subject of debate among many academicians in Mumbai.

The Maharashtra Public Universities Act has been amended after two decades. The amended Act that has come into force is likely to bring many changes in the state varsities.

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The first and foremost change focus is in regard to the post of the director of Board of College and University Development (BCUD) becoming redundant. As per the amended Act, the director of BCUD has no role in academic planning. He/ she is not responsible for the development of research in colleges. Experts are of the opinion that the director of BCUD shall focus on making collaborations between universities and colleges at the national and international levels, which is a significant requirement.

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Mr. Sanjay Malpani, Chairman of Sangameshwar College said that the abandonment of post might lead to few hiccups, as the post is very important for academic planning and coordination with colleges. If that happens, the Vice-Chancellor of the varsity will need to face the additional burden. Therefore, the VCs and officials of various varsities will discuss the matter at the meeting.

Currently, the matter of debate between academicians is the formation of statues, which will lay down the rules and regulations for the proper implementation of the act. These rules and regulations are expected to be released in phases on or before March 31, 2017.