Seeking more maneuvering space for better management and financial independence, at least five colleges in Ahmedabad have either applied or are in the process of applying for autonomous status under the University Grants Commission (UGC) provision.
Gujarat University affiliated HL College of Commerce (HLCC) and MG Science College, both grant-in-aid colleges under the Ahmedabad Education Society (AES), have already applied for the same, while LM College of Pharmacy, LD Arts College, and AG Teachers—also under AES—are in the process of applying for autonomy.
If UGC approves, these colleges will join the likes of St Xavier’s College, which gained autonomy nearly a decade ago.
This comes as the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 pushes colleges to become degree-granting institutes. The policy has sparked interest among public and private universities to seek more control over their academic affairs.
Autonomy brings academic freedom to the management of these colleges, be it starting new courses or exploring and experimenting with the syllabus. By way of autonomy many academic as well as non-academic processes at the colleges are better streamlined for greater efficiency that helps improve the standard of education for specific needs of the student cohort.
Before UGC takes a look, the colleges need approval from Gujarat University. The UGC has also updated its criteria: colleges must now complete three NAAC cycles, regardless of their score.
There are many courses which the colleges want to start but their demands are not met by the university for technical or financial reasons, or they hang fire for years due to administrative apathy. However, once an autonomous college status is given to an institution, it can introduce such innovative courses in a much easier way and can also start self-finance courses for more financial wherewithal.
Sources within AES suggest that the push for autonomy is also financial. While the Gujarat government does provide grants, limited courses and student numbers have made it tough for colleges to maintain quality. Autonomy would allow colleges to introduce higher payment or self-financed programmes, offering them a financial lifeline.
Also Read: Fake Cops Target Ahmedabad Airport Users To Extort Money
