MES applies for cluster varsity status, but others not too keen

MES applies for cluster varsity status, but others not too keen 

Ardhra.Nair@timesofindia.com 27.12.2024

Pune : Maharashtra Education Society (MES) has become the first institution in Pune to apply for a cluster university status. It has proposed the inclusion of MES Garware College of Commerce, Abasaheb Garware College, and MES Institute of Management and Career Courses (IMCC). Babasaheb Shinde, president of MES’s governing council, said that the society submitted its proposal eight months ago. "Govt scrutinized our proposal, and a committee conducted inspections of the colleges. They have now sent their recommendations to the ministry. It only requires cabinet approval before a govt resolution (GR) is issued. We hope the process will conclude before the next academic year,” he added. 

A cluster university status will allow MES to design courses and examination patterns more suited to modern needs. “Currently, even minor changes require approval from Savitribai Phule Pune University to which our colleges are affiliated. With a university status, we can tailor our offerings to align with student demands and capabilities,” Shinde added. Institutions like SP Mandali and Progressive Education Society are exploring alternative options or delaying their applications. SK Jain, chairman of SP Mandali’s managing council, said they preferred a deemed university status.

 “Cluster university regulations restrict opening branches outside the state and require education across five faculties. Deemed university status does not impose such constraints. We are completing a new building, and once that’s done, we’ll likely apply for a deemed university status,” Jain added. PES chairman Gajanan Ekbote pointed out critical flaws in the cluster university framework. "The requirement to include at least one aided college in the cluster is problematic because of vacant govt-sanctioned posts. Govt may stop funding salaries if such colleges join clusters," he said. 

12/27/24, 10:52 AM Times of India ePaper pune - Read Today’s English News Paper Online https://epaper.indiatimes.com/timesepaper/publication-the-times-of-india,city-pune.cms 1/2 He raised concerns about the exclusion of health science colleges and the application of Admission Regulation Authority and Fee Regulation Authority on cluster universities.