As per latest information revealed during a Senate meeting, which was conducted recently, over 30 per cent of colleges affiliated with Mumbai University (MU) are currently without a full-time principal.
Out of 878 colleges under MU, 270 are led by temporary or 'in-charge' principals. Approximately 170 of these colleges have been without a regular principal for over a year.
The lack of full-time principals is a big issue for higher education institutes. It poses challenges for colleges as they are starting to line up their programmes with the National Education Policy (NEP).
Reports indicate that most colleges without a full-time principal are likely unaided. The appointment of principals in aided colleges was largely cleared before the Lok Sabha election model code of conduct was implemented.
While aided colleges require a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the state, unaided institutes only need approval from the varsity. However, the absence of a regular principal affects the functioning of an institute.
The approval process for principals has seen inconsistencies over the past few years:
- In 2015, the state froze the creation of new posts and the filling of existing posts to curb expenditure.
- In 2018, this ban was lifted, and vacancies for principal posts were filled.
- In 2020, recruitment was halted again due to financial constraints caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- In 2021, the state permitted the filling of 260 principal posts.
On Tuesday, March 26, it was reported that of the 900-odd colleges under MU, only 413 have formed a College Development Committee (CDC). It is an important committee that advises the institute on academic and administrative affairs.
As per the Maharashtra Public Universities Act 2016, all the colleges in the state are required to have a CDC. This committee includes the college principal, representatives of college management, teachers, non-teaching staff, students, and locals from education, industry, research, and social service fields.
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