MUMBAI: The state higher and technical education department has decided not to permit any new private universities until a review of existing institutions is completed, following complaints from students and parents and pending court cases.
In April, the government constituted a four-member committee headed by former University Grants Commission (UGC) chairperson Prof. Bhushan Patwardhan to examine the functioning of private universities. The panel was initially tasked with studying the feasibility of converting unaided colleges into private universities.
Senior officials said the committee’s mandate will now be expanded to review the state’s policy governing private universities and recommend changes. Maharashtra introduced an umbrella law for private universities in 2023, but the government believes its provisions need reassessment.
There are currently 34 private universities in the state. Officials said complaints regarding their functioning have risen steadily, with concerns centred on accountability, fee structures, faculty recruitment, academic administration and regulatory compliance.
About a year ago, the government sought detailed information from private universities to assess their functioning. However, many institutions failed to furnish the required details, officials said.
