Maharashtra says no to new colleges offering traditional courses

Minister for Higher Education Chandrakant Patil said the reason for the decision is that courses such as BA, BCom and BSc courses are now redundant. Colleges need to improve coursework that is 70 per cent traditional and 30 per cent skill-based. 

The Maharashtra government has decided to not approve any new college planning to offer only BA, BCom and BSc courses.  

Minister for Higher Education Chandrakant Patil said the reason for the decision is that “all these courses are now largely redundant; colleges need to improve coursework that is 70 per cent traditional and 30 per cent skill-based”.  

Students should be imparted education on social service: Chandrakant Patil  

As per a Hindustan Times report, the minister said college managements should focus on improving the quality of education by introducing changes in the curriculum. “There are many colleges in the state that teach traditional courses such as arts, commerce and science. So, there is no need for more such colleges. The quality of education is an identity of a country and state. Students should also be imparted education on social service that enhances their self-confidence and self-esteem,” said Patil. 

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday attended a meeting of the Maharashtra State Commission for Higher Education and Development (MAHED) where he reiterated Patil’s view. He said, “Aligning with the National Education Policy, when approvals are given to new colleges, employment-oriented course structures should be identified. Universities and affiliated colleges should decide a five-year plan, including these parameters and prepare courses that would be advantageous to students from different locations.” 

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