Nearly 50 applications have been received by the higher and technical education department from colleges in Maharashtra who are hoping to add more divisions this year, highlighted accounts. Earlier, the state government had prolonged the fast-track approval scheme for new divisions. This is supposed to be a one-time offer valid for this year since a larger number of students cleared the 12th board examinations, resulting in a hike in demand for degree college seats.
A circular was issued by the department that permitted colleges that are witnessing a larger demand for courses to increase their divisions. This is subject to them having the infrastructure and faculty to address it. In the beginning, a mere three colleges showcased their interest, the numbers, however, have now risen to nearly 50.
According to an official, section 109 (8) of the Maharashtra Public Universities Act, 2016, permits the government to undertake the fast-track system to commence new divisions, given “extraordinary situations”, stated reports. Taking into cognizance that a larger number of students have cleared their boards, there was a rise in demand and thus taking into consideration this novel situation, the department thought it was best to examine and verify applications for approval, stated an official, based on reports.
Reports are also speculating that in a day or two, these 50 applications will be approved.
On the other hand, a Mumbai University official in some narratives mentioned that autonomous colleges can practice their academic and administrative autonomy to hike the number of their divisions if the demand increases.
One such autonomous college in the city is St Xavier’s College that increased the division each for two of its courses for which, during the weekend they received an approval letter from the government and university. Many colleges, although, want a 20% rise in intake capacity.
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