Expert Panel to Revise Universities Act
The Maharashtra government has formed a high-level expert committee to revise the Maharashtra Public Universities Act, 2016. The aim is to align the Act with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Professor Nitin Karmalkar, former Vice-Chancellor of Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), will lead the panel.
The committee will focus on improving university governance and performance. It is expected to submit its report within three months.
Goals of the Committee
The panel has been asked to recommend amendments that improve the quality, autonomy, inclusivity, transparency, accountability, and global competitiveness of public universities in Maharashtra. It will also assess how well the current law supports research, innovation, and employability.
According to the Higher and Technical Education Department, “The 2016 Act brought several reforms, but further changes are needed to align with the NEP 2020’s transformative goals.”
Implementation Timeline and Scope
NEP 2020 is already being implemented in autonomous institutions since 2023. It is set to be introduced in affiliated colleges starting in the academic year 2024–25. The committee will evaluate every provision of the Act and suggest changes that are realistic, financially viable, and relevant to Maharashtra’s educational landscape.
It will also study national and international models to suggest practices suitable for the state.
Committee Members and Responsibilities
Along with Prof. Karmalkar, the committee includes:
- Dr D.T. Shirke, VC of Shivaji University, Kolhapur
- Dr Ujwala Chakradeo, VC of SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai
- Dr Rajani Gupte, VC of Symbiosis International (Deemed University)
- Dr R.S. Mali, former VC of North Maharashtra University, Jalgaon
- Dr Paromita Mazumdar, Legal Officer, SPPU
- Shri Dilip Bharde, Registrar, YCMOU
- Directors of Higher and Technical Education from Pune and Mumbai
Focus Areas of the Review
The committee will work on:
- Academic flexibility in curricula
- Coordination between universities and regulators
- Faculty training and development
- Student engagement models
- Practical frameworks for smooth implementation
Savitribai Phule Pune University will support the committee with logistics and operational costs.
Moving Forward
This reform process aims to prepare Maharashtra’s public universities to meet global standards while staying rooted in national education priorities. The findings of this committee could set the tone for future reforms in the higher education sector across the state.
