Maharashtra is set to witness a significant boost in its higher education landscape as the state plans to establish 264 new colleges across 13 non-agricultural universities in the academic year 2024-25. This initiative, aimed at enhancing educational accessibility, includes 14 colleges in Mumbai, with a focus on empowering women through 82 colleges affiliated to Shreemati Nathibai Damodar Thackersey (SNDT) Women’s University.
Empowering Women’s Education
Among the 264 colleges, SNDT Women’s University will oversee 82 colleges dedicated to women’s education. Professor Ujwala Chakradeo, Vice-Chancellor of SNDT Women’s University, expressed the university’s commitment to educating more female students across Maharashtra. The selection of locations is based on the enrollment of girls in local schools, and the curriculum aligns with the requirements of local industries, contributing to the increase in the gross enrollment ratio (GER).
Distribution Across Universities
Savitribai Pune University is set to welcome 59 new colleges, while Sant Gadgebaba Amravati University will have 29. Other non-agricultural universities in Maharashtra will see 20 or fewer new colleges, each catering to specific educational needs.
Inclusive Education Focus
In addition to expanding access to education, the universities are mandated to ensure inclusive education under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. Facilities for specially-abled individuals will be integrated into the new colleges, fostering an inclusive and diverse learning environment.
Government Approval and Future Plans
The Maharashtra State Commission for Higher Education and Development approved a comprehensive five-year perspective plan for non-agricultural universities in the state. The first phase includes 1,499 identified colleges, with the recent approval signaling a proactive step toward realizing the state’s vision for a robust higher education system
