Maharashtra plans to allow DBATU Lonere’s technical colleges to get other affiliations based on location

The Maharashtra government is planning to amend the law to allow technical colleges affiliated with Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological University (DBATU), Lonere, to seek affiliation with other universities based on their geographical location.

Chandrakant Patil, higher and technical education minister said the state intends to introduce an amendment bill following requests from elected representatives and other stakeholders. The proposal would give colleges an alternative to their existing affiliation with DBATU.

Under the proposal, colleges who seek de-affiliation would not have to return to the universities they were previously associated with. They could instead opt for another university, depending on their location.

Patil said, “since 2017, we have been asking new technical colleges to seek mandatory affiliation from DBATU”. However the “political representatives and stakeholders have been seeking a provision to de-affiliate”. Explaining this proposal, he said the government was considering giving colleges an option to de-affiliate.

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DBATU faces administrative concerns

The proposal comes amid concerns about the university's examination and administrative systems. Delays in declaring results, issuing mark sheets and correcting academic records have affected students pursuing engineering and pharmacy courses. Shortages of staff have also added to the university's operational challenges.

The state government had earlier indicated that it would address the pending issues. Patil had said that DBATU's outstanding problems would be resolved by December, while the recruitment of teachers was expected to be completed within three months.

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Government expects colleges to retain their affiliation

Despite considering an exit option, the state government expects improvements in the university's examination and administrative processes to encourage affiliated institutions to continue with DBATU.

The proposed amendment is yet to be introduced. The government has not announced a timeline for its introduction or clarified the procedure colleges would have to follow to change their university affiliation.