Pune: On one hand there are educational institutions that demand autonomy so that they can design courses, appoint faculty or manage their funds according to their rules and regulations.
On the other hand when the Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) wants to grant autonomy status, many colleges tread cautiously before taking any decision.
As per the University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines, universities in the country have been directed to award autonomy to colleges that have scored A++, A+ and A grade in the National Accreditation and Assessment Council (NAAC) ratings.
But not knowing the pros and cons the autonomy can bring, many affiliated colleges despite being eligible for autonomy are seen resisting it. However, the varsity has been insisting that they participate in the process.
Sanjay Kharat, Senate Member and Principal, Modern College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Ganeshkhind Road branch said, “There are a few technical issues like if the autonomous institutions frame an individual programme, will the State government provide scholarships to students of economically backward class (EBC) taking the course like any other existing course?
Secondly, if the fee structure for traditional courses increases and in general education becomes unaffordable then what is the purpose of the autonomy? Academic and administrative autonomy is appreciated, but financial autonomy can turn out worrisome for many.”
VB Gaikwad, Senate Member who will give a presentation to all colleges said, “Although the colleges will be awarded autonomy their financial grants will be as per the university provisions and rules and regulations will be according to State government. They will get the freedom to set and design their own courses as per their requirements.”
Vijay Khare, Member of Academic Council and Director of International Centre at SPPU said, “After receiving autonomy, the responsibilities of the college increases which they are not willing to take. Also they are thinking in terms of financial autonomy only, hence are reluctant. The colleges will be able to start their own courses. Of course, the courses will be reviewed by the Academic Council of the university and also, the university will have the upper hand. The status will benefit them instead. The fees structure for existing courses will remain the same and the colleges can formulate their own fees structure for the courses they start.”
Names of some eligible colleges from Pune
† Sir Parshurambhau (SP) College, Pune
† Modern College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Ganeshkhind Road
† Ness Wadia College of Commerce
† Abasaheb Garware College, Karve Road
† Karve Institute of Social Service, Karve Nagar
† College of Military Engineering, Dapodi
† Modern College of Engineering, Shivajinagar
† DY Patil College of Engineering, Akurdi
† Pimpri Chinchwad College of Engineering, Pimpri
† Sinhagad Academy of Engineering, Kondhwa
† Sinhagad Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology
† Rasiklal M Dhariwal Sinhagad Technical Institutes
† Zeal Education Society’s (ZES) Zeal College of Engineering and Research
