Maharashtra plans to allow DBATU Lonere colleges to join other universities based on geographical location

The Maharashtra government is planning to amend the law to allow technical colleges affiliated with Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological University (DBATU), Lonere, to leave the university and seek affiliation with other universities based on geographical location. Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil said the government plans to introduce an amendment bill following demands from political representatives and stakeholders.

"Since 2017, we have been asking new technical colleges to seek mandatory affiliation from DBATU. But political representatives and stakeholders have been seeking provision to de-affiliate, and therefore, we are planning to give them an option and bring in the amendment bill," Patil said during a media interaction in Lonere last week.

The minister's remarks indicate that the proposed amendment would give technical colleges greater flexibility in choosing their affiliating universities. Colleges will not necessarily have to return to their previous parent universities and may be allowed to join other universities.

Also read Maharashtra hostels for SC, ST students run without wardens, overcrowded; some ‘bogus’: CAG report

DBATU colleges face examination, administrative issues

The proposed move comes amid concerns over DBATU's examination and administrative functioning. Students have faced delays in receiving examination results and marksheets, along with errors in academic records. Staff shortages have also affected the university's functioning.

Engineering and pharmacy students have faced difficulties due to delays in examination-related processes, while colleges have raised concerns over the university's administrative arrangements.

The state government had earlier assured that these issues would be addressed. Patil had said that DBATU's pending problems would be resolved by December and that the recruitment of teachers would be completed within three months.

Also read After AMU and Jamia, BHU students launch agitation for union polls, on hold for 3 decades

Government hopes to retain affiliated colleges

Despite planning to provide colleges with an option to leave DBATU, the government is confident that the reforms introduced in the examination section and administration will help retain most affiliated institutions.

The government also expects the improvements to encourage more colleges to seek affiliation with DBATU in the future.

The proposed amendment bill is intended to provide colleges with the option of de-affiliation. Further details about the bill and the process for changing university affiliation have not been shared.