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The Maharashtra government has formed a six-member committee to review criteria for establishing private universities amid concerns over academic quality, finances and fee structures. Headed by Dr Bhushan Patwardhan, the panel will examine infrastructure, admissions, faculty standards and regulatory compliance. It will also suggest changes to existing laws and submit its report within two months.

The Maharashtra government has constituted a six-member committee to review the existing criteria for establishing private universities in the state amid concerns over academic standards, financial viability, infrastructure and fee structures.

Dr Bhushan Patwardhan To Head Committee On University Reforms

The committee, headed by Dr Bhushan Patwardhan, Vice-Chancellor of Deccan College Post-Graduate and Research Institute, Pune, and former Vice-Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC), has been asked to examine the existing norms and recommend necessary changes. Dr. Nitin Karmalkar, former vice-chancellor of Savitribai Phule university Pune, Deputy or Joint secretary of higher education of state government, Director technical education, Director of art directorate, Director higher education of the state government will also be members of the committee. The panel will submit its report within two months.

The government resolution states that the existing criteria for private universities include requirements relating to land, buildings, laboratories, libraries, digital facilities, hostels, sports infrastructure and accessibility for persons with disabilities. The committee will review whether these requirements need to be modified in line with present-day educational needs.