Pune: The recent historic decision taken by the University Grants Commission (UGC) to give autonomous status to 62 higher educational institutions in the country has been welcomed by educationists. They say quality of education will be enriched.
The decision has paved way to start new courses and tie-ups with foreign universities. The educational institutions are recognised on the basis of highest score in National Assessment and Accreditation Certificate (NAAC), which is evaluated on 4 points.
The Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) was mentioned at the fourth spot in the list. An overwhelmed Vice-Chancellor of SPPU, Nitin Karmalkar said the primary aim now will be to start new courses as per industrial demands. “We can have greater international collaboration wherein professors from abroad can come here to teach. This new status has strengthened our confidence and will lead us towards achieving the goal of eminence,” said Karmalkar.
“We are extremely happy about the status that SPPU has received. Earlier, we required approval from UGC to start any new course or had to enforce courses mentioned in the UGC guidelines. “This has enabled us to start many new programmes, off-campus centres and collaborations with foreign universities. It allows us to build good teaching faculty which will help in attracting students not only from our country but also from foreign countries, as they will be recommended to take admissions here,” said Vidya Yeravdekar, Pro-Chancellor of Symbiosis International Deemed University.
“We are now independent to form innovative course which will be at par with new techniques and innovation in the respective industries. As education has transformed from teaching to learning and now the application, students look towards the application of their skills. Moreover, as our university is known for medical education, therefore, it will help us get doctors and professors of medical education from abroad to teach our students for short duration. More than admission and fees, our interest is in the enhancement of academic curriculum,” said PN Razdan, VC of Dr DY Patil Vidyapeeth.
Former VC of SPPU, WN Gade appreciated the decision of MHRD and said this will upgrade the quality of education at the university.
“Now, the university can take steps to formulate curriculum as per the need of the hour. Another benefit is strengthening international collaboration without any restriction. They are entitled to hire faculty on higher pay-scale. Autonomy gives the educational institute freedom to constitute a system that will enrich education. All these universities and institutions have been awarded the status based on their NAAC performance,” said Gade.
On Tuesday, the University Grants Commission (UGC) awarded 62 higher institutions an autonomous status. Out of the total, Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) under state universities, Symbiosis International Deemed University and Dr DY Patil Vidyapeeth under deemed to be university will enjoy the status of autonomy.
