Higher education: Now anybody can study

In a major decision that will pave the way for former University of Mumbai students to pursue further studies, the varsity has done away with the minimum percentage criteria for admission to various post-graduate courses, including self-financed as well as traditional courses in Arts, Science, Commerce and Law.

According to university officials, the decision was taken with a view to make higher education free and accessible to all including those who graduated with 35 per cent only. With this the MU has become the first ever university in the country to take such a decision.

According to university officials, the academic council and management council took the major decision on the last day of their tenure on August 31. “It was felt that every individual has a right to education and by putting eligibility criteria it was only creating a hurdle and discouraging those interested in pursuing higher studies from fulfilling their aspirations. The decision had the unanimous agreement of both the AC and MC members after which it was passed,” said the university official.

According to a member of the former AC, the decision was intended to open the doors of higher education to even those students who passed HSC exams with 35 per cent marks.

“There are numerous colleges affiliated to the university that have seats that remain vacant due to lack of enrolments. It was agreed by all members that before the term of the current AC and MC came to end we should do something for the benefit of the student community hence the decision,” said the member.

In the past the university had laid down percentage criteria of 40 per cent for reserved category and 45 per cent for open category students in many courses both at the post graduate and undergraduate level. As a result of this students interested in a particular course having such a criteria were unable to pursue the same. “The decision is historic and will ensure that anyone wanting to pursue higher education will find the doors of the university always open for them,” said another member.

Dr Sanjay Deshmukh, vice-chancellor, MU, said, “With the aim of educational rights to all sections of the society, this is the coherent decision with the role of government to make availability of higher education to the deprived section of society too.”

Source | Asian Age | 3 September 2015