MU budget focuses on projects,not students

The University of Mumbai's budget for 2011-12 sets aside funds for new initiatives such as a quarterly journal to record university activities

The University of Mumbai’s budget for 2011-12 sets aside funds for new initiatives such as a quarterly journal to record university activities (Rs 25 lakh) and international research journal (Rs 5 lakh). But the widespread criticism is that there is nothing in it for the students.

For the first time,all university departments,both academic and administrative,have submitted a vision mission document for their respective departments for the academic year. We are also trying to incorporate many things keeping that in mind, said Rajpal Hande,director of Board of Colleges and University Development (BUCD). Rs 63 lakh has been given for the ongoing construction of the Shankarrao Chavan Training Academy at the Kalina campus meant for training its administrative and academic staff.

However,Senate members said the budget did not have much for the students and was focused at administrative work. Senior Senate member Dilip Karande said,The budget estimates for the year show a net deficit of Rs 40.11 crore and a major parts of the funds will be used for administrative purpose,including salaries of temporary staff. They should have had some provision for attracting more students towards research.

Some members also raised questions on how allocations in the previous years budget were yet to be utilised.

The funds for financial assistance to Backward Classes have not been fully utilised. Same was the case in the funds allocated to sports department. We have demanded several amendments, said another member.

There has been a 60.35 per cent increase in the number of students in the university over the past decade. The number of students enrolled in 2001-02 was 3,42,630 while this number was 5,49,432 last year. The number of institutions affiliated to the university has doubled from 317 colleges in 2001 to 653 in 2010. There are 67 postgraduate departments that include institutions and centres of study,showed the figures which formed part of the budget presentation at the Senate meeting on Saturday.

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Rajpal Hande