12 autonomous colleges affiliated to Mumbai University awarded empowered status

The 12 colleges are: St. Xavier’s College, Jai Hind College, Ramnarain Ruia College, Mithibai College, K J Somaiya College of Science and Commerce, SIES College, Ramniranjan Jhunjhunwala College, Sophia College, Birla College, Nagindas Khandwala College, Karmaveer Bhaurao Patil College and Bhavan’s Sardar Patel Institute of Technology.

As per the new status, these colleges will now be able to conveniently start their own courses at certificate, diploma, graduation as well as post-graduation level.

Following approval by the MU, these colleges will also be able to start PhD courses. They will have the liberty on various aspects such as deciding fee-structures, redesigning courses, changing nomenclature of courses, formulating evaluation process, declaring results and issuing mark-sheets among all.

As per the information shared by the Mumbai University, Maharashtra state government via notification dated May 22 had asked varsities to begin the process of allowing empowered status to autonomous colleges, based on the provision for this in Maharashtra Universities Act 2016.

Accordingly, Mumbai University began the process the next day and out of total 13 applications received, 12 autonomous colleges have been awarded the new status.

Dr. Ravindra Kulkarni, Vice- Chancellor of Mumbai University, said that with 59 colleges, university has the highest number of autonomous colleges in state, “With 12 of them being awarded empowered autonomous colleges status, this is an important step by MU in ensuring academic autonomy,” he said.

Academic Director of Jai Hind College said, “Having name and logo of the college on the degree certificates of students will provide colleges with a global recognition.”