A view of Bharathiar University in Coimbatore.
| Photo Credit: PERIASAMY M
Bharathiar University that currently has the highest number of 32 autonomous affiliated colleges in its fold among State varsities is set to witness further increase in the number.The university is currently processing application from NIFT-TEA College of Knitwear Fashion, Tiruppur, that was recently sanctioned autonomy by the University Grants Commission (UGC).The process for grant of autonomy to a Coimbatore-based self-financing college is also in progress, Registrar R. Rajavel said.The university, the Registrar said, was required to secure the sanction of the Syndicate to approve the autonomy status of the applicants.Managements of self-financing colleges are learnt to have urged the university administration to respond with a higher degree of promptness in clearing the approvals for autonomy status from aspiring affiliating colleges.According to managements of private institutions, a pro-active approach by the university will pave way for transformation of more number of colleges into autonomous institutions.Affiliated colleges of long standing are apparently desirous of autonomous status since they will have the leverage to offer new programmes.Autonomous status is granted initially for a period of five to 10 years as per clause VII of the UGC regulations.The role of Parent university is to examine application of the college for autonomous status and give its recommendations, along with reasons/ justifications within 30 working days on the UGC portal.“If the parent university does not respond within the duration, it shall be presumed there is no objection to conferment of autonomous status,” the UGC norms state.However, difficulties will still persist for such colleges to exercise autonomy since the university is required to nominate its members in various statutory bodies of the Autonomous college.According to a functionary of a self-financing college, the university is required to nominate members to the Boards of Studies, Standing Committee on Academic Affairs and Governing Committees of the colleges transforming into autonomous institutions.Some of the managements have planned to make a representation to the UGC to mention specific timelines in its regulations for the universities to nominate members to the statutory bodies as well. Published - February 24, 2026 08:28 pm IST
