The proposal of the University of Mumbai to not have new colleges in 2014-15 has not gone down well with certain management council members. The members have claimed that while the statistics show dwindling enrolments in existing colleges, the University should investigate into the same and come up with solutions that will ensure colleges have sufficient enrolments rather than resorting to a knee-jerk reaction by curbing the sanctioning of new colleges.
Taking a strong stand against the proposal, a management council member said that while there was evidence of dwindling enrolments in existing colleges, it did not become a valid ground to stop new colleges from coming up. “Various studies conducted by different authorities on higher education have revealed that students prefer to travel long distances to attend college rather than taking admission in colleges that are closer to their residences, as colleges closer home lack the quality offered by far-off colleges. The University needs to address this issue before reaching a conclusion that new colleges are not needed,” said the council member.
He further added that by allowing new colleges to come up close to existing colleges would ensure a healthy competition, thereby improving the quality of education being offered by the respective colleges.
Another issue pointed out by council members was the high number of colleges under the University. “Many managements have started different colleges offering different courses, but function in the same premise and also have a single principal. The University should curb this to ensure that the numbers do not give out a wrong picture,” said another member.
Dr Naresh Chandra, pro-vice-chancellor, MU said that the University had taken note of the suggestions of the management council members and would try to set up an apparatus to maintain the quality of education in colleges. “The University exists for students and it will take all possible measures to ensure that colleges maintain certain standards,” he said.