Wilson College gets autonomy; in over 2 years, two-fold rise in such colleges under Mumbai University

MUMBAI: The 185-year-old Wilson College at Chowpatty was granted autonomy by University Grants Commission (UGC) on Wednesday, taking the total count of autonomous colleges affiliated to Mumbai University (MU) to 46. The state now has 122 autonomous colleges, of which the most, around 38%, are from MU. The number of autonomous colleges under MU rose two-fold in over two years. Maharashtra is second in the country, after Tamil Nadu, to have the most autonomous institutes. With flexibility in assessment and curriculum, simplified process and the new National Education Policy (NEP) pushing for more autonomy, more colleges are opting for it.
Vijay Joshi, chief consultant for Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) – Maharashtra, said, “With the NEP pushing for more autonomy, colleges have realised that it is the way forward. Autonomous colleges can have a robust evaluation system, flexibility in curriculum and many good ones are now experimenting with newer ideas,” Joshi said, adding that the state’s autonomous colleges also received more grants under RUSA as compared to other states. “Eligible colleges with an ‘A ‘grade in NAAC should opt for autonomy as it is an academic experiment worth considering in response to fast changing disruptive innovation economy,” he said. Many prominent colleges in the city, including St Xavier’s, Jai Hind, Ruia, Podar, NM, Mithibai, SIES, Sophia, already have autonomy.
After autonomy, Wilson College will consider offering BSc courses in artificial intelligence, data science, machine learning and cyber security, said director (education), TA Shiware. Courses in medical operation technology with Saifee Hospital, fashion journalism and film direction are also on the anvil.
“Autonomous colleges should take more initiative in offering students a ‘cafeteria’ approach. They need to offer more skill-oriented industry courses and publicise them. Earlier, starting a new course, under the university would take a minimum two years. With autonomy, you can do it in no time. Currently, only about 20-30% colleges are using autonomy to optimum level,” said Shiware, who is also president of Association of non-government Colleges. Even as new courses are offered, these colleges should ensure fees are moderate and affordable, he said.