The Central Government has granted autonomy status to three more colleges in Mumbai namely RA Podar College, Matunga; Nirmala Niketan’s College of Social Work and SNDT’s MMP Shah College, Matunga. These colleges have consistently received an ‘A’ Grade by National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC).
With Autonomy status comes many facilities that include implementing new and flexible curriculum, central government funding. The Centre sanctions Rs 5 crore each for autonomous colleges. A principal of one of the colleges who received autonomy said “There is no flexibility in evaluating students when you are attached to a parent university. Autonomy offers a great deal of academic independence. It is very important to assess students continuously. However, Mumbai University has gone back to the 100-mark pattern exam.”
The Central Government has been granting autonomy to various colleges in order to reduce the burden over the larger universities of Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur. St. Xavier’s College Mumbai was the first college to receive autonomy. The Total number of autonomous colleges in the state is over 70 with many seeking autonomies. The Highest number of autonomous colleges are in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
Various representatives of the colleges who received autonomy claims that the regular teachers should not be appointed to set the new curriculum as per the guidelines of autonomous colleges.
“Autonomous colleges are no more connected to the university when it comes to curriculum development and conduct of exams. They have their independent boards and follow a separate curriculum and exam pattern. Since they will not be associated with the university, teachers from other colleges should be given opportunity,” said a teacher.
It was also informed that the degrees from these colleges will still be received by the parent university.
“They are still affiliated to the university. There is no harm in engaging these colleges for academic work. Some of the top colleges have sought autonomy and the university may need their expertise,” said the official.