Mumbai University approves INR 811 cr budget for 2023-24

Mumbai University (MU) has approved a budget of INR 811 crores for the academic year 2023-24, with allocations for various initiatives to improve infrastructure, research, and student services.

The budget for 2023-2024 was presented by Professor Pradeep Kamthekarm, MU's official in charge of finances and accounts. It emphasised on the National Education Policy (NEP) and was reported to be student-centric.

The university plans to increase revenue through various means, such as increasing foreign student enrolment and starting new courses. The NEP has led to changes in the university's curriculum, including introducing a four-year undergraduate programme and increasing focus on interdisciplinary studies.

It is pertinent to note that the amount allocated for the brand-new ladies' hostel building on the Kalina campus has been facing criticism for its uninhabitable conditions.

The budget includes provisions for hiring new faculty and staff and providing them with training and development opportunities. The university will also focus on enhancing student services, such as career counselling and mental health support. 

The university plans to collaborate with industry and other institutions to promote research and innovation.

Another key area of investment is the university's digitisation programs. The single window system will provide students with a portal to access all necessary information, while the Digital University project will streamline administrative and student operations.

The budget also includes allocations for the G-20 presidency, the International Year of Millets, and green hydrogen and solar energy development. The university will also improve its NAAC, NIRF, and QS rankings after receiving the 45th NIRF rank in the previous year.

Despite a significant increase in funding, Mumbai University is facing a shortfall of INR 99.45 crore for the academic year 2023-2024. The university will use donations from alumni and corporate social responsibility programmes to make up for the deficit.

Mumbai University has witnessed a rise of 17.79% in college affiliation and a 19.74% increase in student enrolment. The university has 8.56 lakh registered students at present.

The University is currently functioning without key administrators, as no full-time appointments have been made for the position of MU Vice-Chancellor. However, the VC search committee has published an advertisement for applications, and shortlisting of applicants will begin after April 15.

In spite, the university has assured stakeholders that the budget has been prepared by all applicable rules and regulations and will be reviewed periodically to ensure its effective and efficient use.

However, the budget was approved without the presence of top senate members, which has raised concerns among some stakeholders.

Shiv Sena MLC Vilas Potnis said that the budget allocation needs more discussion and cannot be approved within two hours. Meanwhile, BJP Legislator and Senate member Sunil Rane opined that the provision for digitisation is relatively limited, and the university needs to think bigger.

According to Vice-Chancellor Professor D T Shirke, the budget is aimed at empowering students and prioritises many creative plans and development projects.

However, Senior Senator Pradeep Sawant criticised the university administration for failing to offer facilities geared towards students and for preparing budgetary provisions for the G-20 presidency instead.

Budget Highlights: