Pune University – SPPU News | State Government Approves Formation of Cluster Universities, Poses Threat to Pune University’s Income

Pune : Pune University – SPPU News | The state government has given the green light for the establishment of cluster universities by merging four to five colleges within an institution. While this decision is aimed at enhancing the quality of education and administrative efficiency, it poses a potential threat to the revenue stream of Savitribai Phule Pune University. Currently, the university receives approximately Rs 150 crore annually from examination fees and college affiliation fees.

The Higher and Technical Education Department has reached the final stages of preparing a draft for the establishment of cluster universities, which will result in the disaffiliation of colleges currently under the university’s purview. Under this new system, cluster universities will consist of a minimum of two and a maximum of five colleges, thereby ending their affiliation with Savitribai Phule Pune University. The university currently earns around Rs 125 crore from examination fees and Rs 15 crore from affiliation fees each year. Additionally, about Rs 5 crore is generated from the admission fees paid by students of these colleges.

Vice-Chancellor Dr. Suresh Gosavi expressed concerns over the financial implications of cluster universities, stating that the university would lose this considerable source of income due to the establishment of cluster universities.

However, there remains ambiguity regarding whether the colleges within the cluster universities will be eligible for government grants or scholarships. To further expand the scope of cluster universities, suggestions have been submitted to the state government proposing an increase in the number of colleges included within a cluster, expanding the radius from the current 25 km to 50 km. Dr. Gajanan Ekbote, the working president of the Progressive Education Society, highlighted the importance of considering such suggestions for the successful implementation and functioning of cluster universities.

As the draft for cluster universities enters its final stage, stakeholders await clarity on the financial implications for the colleges involved and the future prospects of government grants and scholarships.

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