Long wait for autonomy from varsity may get longer

MUMBAI, SEPT 7: A state government proposal to grant autonomy to colleges has virtually been scuttled for now, at least in the University...

MUMBAI, SEPT 7: A state government proposal to grant autonomy to colleges has virtually been scuttled for now, at least in the University of Mumbai.

College principals who were earlier clamouring for autonomy appear to have changed their minds after reading the statutes, which were to be passed at the Management Council MC meeting last week. Instead, the vice-chancellor has set up a committee to study the areas of dissent and suggest solutions. Thus, the statutes will not make it to the university Senate meeting scheduled for October. Ironically, the statutes were prepared by a committee headed by Vice-Chancellor Dr Snehalata Deshmukh.

The MC meet discussed the question of government aid to autonomous colleges. The statutes are clear that autonomous institutions, subject to certain provisions of the Maharashtra Universities Act, 1994, 8220;shall not create any direct or indirect financial liability on the part of the government.8221; Any innovation in teaching or even as far as introducing new subjects is concerned can take place only with a government grant. But if, for a routine degree course, any increase in expenditure arising out of changes has to be transferred to the students, nobody will join the course, principals fear. Concurs Fr Joe Dias, Principal of St Xavier8217;s which had applied for autonomy earlier: 8220;As it is, the demand for general courses is dropping. This is not a professional course that students will pay more.8221;

Additional expenditure can be incurred in various ways. For instance, any qualitative learning can take place only if the number of students per class is around 80, as prescribed by the University Grants Commission UGC, says a college principal. This would mean splitting the existing divisions of 120 students into those of 80, which translates into additional teaching staff.

But, not only are the statutes silent regarding the number of students per class, it also says no teaching or non-teaching positions can be created without the government8217;s and university8217;s permission. This, says a principal, is a contradiction in terms. To ensure a better student-teacher ratio, more staff will have to be appointed. On one hand, the government will not meet the increased expenditure, but at the same time the college has to take its permission to make new appointments. Also, new courses or diplomas cannot be started unless fresh appointments are made. Even with regard to evaluation 8211; assessment has to be continuous 8211; there will be an increase in workload.

Further, several students are admitted in various categories whose fees are reimbursed by the government, says a principal. But the government has not been equally enthusiastic about fee hikes. For instance, when the university hiked the fees for degree courses from Rs 400 to Rs 800 in the early nineties, the government did not consider this increase for Economically Backward Category EBC students, says the principal. 8220;They have continued to reimburse us at the rate of Rs 400. If they follow the same policy in an autonomous institution after we hike fees, we will not be able to run the college. EBC comes to around 50 per cent of students here,8221; the principal adds.

Another point raised at the meeting was about the constitution of the Board of Management, which is to run the college. It was pointed out only the board8217;s chairperson is from the management. 8220;Which management will go for autonomy if does not get adequate representation? Decisions taken by the board will have financial implications, which will have to be borne by the management,8221; complained a principal. In a government college, the board has three nominees from the government side, the principal adds.

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The meeting also pointed out that minority colleges have not been given any special consideration in the statutes.

Principal Secretary of Higher and Technical Education Department M R Patil shrugged off the problems, saying: 8220;These are model statutes. There are bound to be differences which we hope will be sorted out in two-three months.8221; About complaints by college authorities, especially with regard to management, Patil told Express Newsline: 8220;The university is supposed to know the management8217;s mind. Also, autonomy is not compulsory. If they don8217;t want to, colleges don8217;t have to apply.8221;

The Chancellor8217;s office only stated that instructions had been issued to all universities to implement the statutes as soon as possible. Said Vice-Chancellor Dr Deshmukh, 8220;At the MC meet, it was stated that the management did not have adequate representation. But I had discussed it with the principals8217; forums. Their suggestions were incorporated.8221; Further, the statutes were prepared on the basis of UGC guidelines, she said. The committee will sumbit its report on objections within a month, she added.