PUNE: Though the growing size of University of Pune (UoP) is a subject of contention, immediate bifurcation of the varsity is not on cards, confirmed sources in the higher education department on Thursday. A proposal to carve out a separate varsity for two tribal districts from the Nagpur University is however awaiting the government approval, sources said.
Sources have put to rest contradictory reports about the possibility of immediate split of UoP on account of its size. When asked if any committee was formed to decide on bifurcation of UoP, principal secretary of Higher and Technical Education J S Saharia on Thursday said, “I have not heard of any such committee. Certainly, not to my knowledge.”
Earlier, on a recent visit to the city, he had maintained that though National Knowledge Commission had recommended formation of new smaller universities to lift the Gross Enrolment Ratio, the idea got stuck at availability of funds, land and brand images of big universities.
A top source in higher education department said, “If we bifurcate UoP, new university should come up at either Ahmednagar or Nashik. Formation of a varsity needs at least Rs 300 crore, which is not feasible. In case of bifurcation, UoP will not be ready to part with its reserve funds, which are close to Rs 300 crore. Besides, college students in Nagar and Nashik might be reluctant to lose the brand image and funds of Pune University.”
When asked if Pune, Mumbai and Nagpur varsities had become unmanageable due to the large number of affiliated colleges, source said, “As bifurcation is not possible in near future, UoP should strengthen Nagar and Nashik sub-centres on priority basis. Mumbai University is a fit case for division. A separate university for Konkan is must.”
The higher education department has recommended formation of a university for tribal districts of Chandrapur and Gadchiroli, to be named Gondwana University.