Mumbai University granted graded autonomy category 1 status

In a significant milestone for higher education in Mumbai the University Grants Commission UGC has conferred graded autonomy category 1 status upon Mumbai University MU This decision aligns with the University Grants Commissions UGC initiative to grant autonomy to wellperforming universities in accordance with the UGC Categorization of Universities for Grant of Graded Autonomy Regulations 2018The Universitys proposal for this prestigious recognition underwent a thorough evaluation by the UGC culminating in its approval on November 22Attainment of category1 status brings forth a range of benefits outlined in clause four of the UGC regulations Mumbai University is now eligible for these advantages underscoring its dedication to excellence in education and researchIn accordance with the University Grants Commission UGC Regulations for Grant of Graded Autonomy in 2018 universities are classified into three categories A university attains category 1 status if it scores 351 or above while category 2 encompasses universities scoring between 326 and 350 Universities that do not fall within either of these ranges are classified under category 3MU with the highest NAAC grade of A and 365 CGPA in the state has been awarded the status of category 1 Graded Autonomy which will now open a new door of various educational opportunities in the University of MumbaiAlso read Mumbai University ProVC in conflict of interest rowThe conferment of Category I status upon Mumbai University in accordance with the University Grants Commissions Grant of Graded Autonomy Regulation 2018 marks a significant milestone This elevated status endows the university with academic freedom paving the way for a plethora of new educational opportunities within the University of Mumbai Attaining Category I status is a substantial stride particularly in the universitys pursuit of internationalizing higher education in alignment with the implementation of the National Education Policy This upgraded status empowers the university to take major strides in diverse areas including education research and innovation It also opens avenues for the initiation of activities such as skillbased education the introduction of new courses online learning programs and the establishment of additional campuses Notably this status holds substantial implications for the empowerment of the Distance and Open Learning Institute IDOL contributing significantly to its enhancement and development said Prof Ravindra Kulkarni ViceChancellor University of MumbaiAs the University Grants Commission has got the status of category 1 University the University can now start new courses new departments new campuses new online courses distance and open learning institutes with the ease of UGC permission Also according to the need the university can also start degree and diploma courses in the field of innovation by recognizing the local national and international needs This category 1 status given to the university will enable the university to start skillbased courses against the backdrop of the National Skill Qualification FrameworkAs per the regulation MU can now be able to establish research parks incubation centers universitysociety linkage centers in selffinancing mode either independently or in collaboration with private partners without the need for Commission approvalWith graded autonomy Category 1 status the universities are also granted the ability to recruit foreign faculty establish research collaborations with international universities and admit foreign students as part of their expanded privilegesNotably in the wake of the implementation of the National Education Policy NEP it has now become easier to make academic alliances with foreign higher education institutions for the internationalization of education This will facilitate dual degree associate degree and twinning degree student teacher exchange processNevertheless this development has triggered concerns and uncertainties among teachers and educationists Some educationists have voiced reservations expressing apprehension that heightened autonomy might lead to the introduction and proliferation of selffinancing courses I hope this does not give boost privatisation where underprivileged but deserving students do not get opportunity I only fear that The status of graded autonomy implies that universities are not eligible to seek funding for the operation of new courses departments and centers Hence varsity would look for more and more private sponsors and partners University needs to ensure that no matter what there should be a good number of seats where students from financially weaker sections are able to afford fees said a senior faculty member from MU