New Law Aims for a World Class Education

When it comes to world university rankings, we look to spot our state universities on the list which, in most cases, never make it to the world rankings, or appear sadly behind the universities from around the world.

This time, however, Maharashtra’s Higher and Technical Education (HTE) Department is working towards a better grade. In December 2022, the State Legislative Assembly passed the Maharashtra Public Universities Act 2022 to bring state universities up to par with the times and with the top universities in the country.

This Act has introduced various reforms in the functioning of 11 institutes under the Maharashtra Public Universities Act. The Act proposes the idea of a Cluster University, a digital university, a committee to fix fee issues, and a choice-based credit system with a transferable credit system. The Act also plans to reintroduce student elections and establish centres outside India.

The registrar of the University of Mumbai, MA Khan, said that the previous Act was made in 1994 and was outdated. He added that the new Act is a lot more progressive and makes provisions for activities which can improve the higher education system in Maharashtra.

The Bill is signed by the Chancellor (Governor) and has received the status of an Act that may be effective from March 2022. It is based on the recommendations of three committees set up in 2010-11 to suggest long-term strategies that might improve the management of the 11 state universities and the 3774 colleges affiliated to them.

Some of the main features of the Act are:

Student Friendly:

The Act aims to be more student-friendly. Some of the clauses include appointing previous year's topper in a particular course (Science, Commerce or Arts) as a member of the board of studies. It recommends appointing the president of a university's students' council as an invitee member of the management council. The Act also recommends special exams for students participating in cultural and sports events.

Seeing the Other Side:

To free universities from vested interests, the Act proposes to create the Maharashtra State Council for Higher Education and Development (MAHED). This body will plan, design, coordinate, supervise, and devise the use of technology and raise finances for higher education. It will be headed by the chief minister of the state and run by academicians, technocrats, scientists and industry and financial experts.

The Long Vision:

The Act aims to have a far-reaching vision, making progressive strides in Maharashtra’s higher education. It recommends creating a comprehensive digital university framework for e-learning and administrative services.