The Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT) is evaluating a proposal to change its status to a state technological university, following concerns over funding constraints raised with the Maharashtra government in December 2025. The institute issued a statement on Thursday clarifying its position on relinquishing its 'deemed-to-be' status, emphasizing that it will weigh the pros and cons of the transition while retaining complete autonomy in academic, administrative, and financial matters.
Background of the Proposal
The statement was released in response to media reports about the proposal, which has faced strong opposition from ICT's alumni and faculty. ICT, ranked among India's leading engineering colleges, boasts a strong record in innovation, patents, and industry linkages, with notable alumni including Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani.
According to the statement, Vice-Chancellor Prof Aniruddha Pandit met with Maharashtra's Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil in December 2025 to highlight the institute's financial challenges. As a deemed-to-be university, ICT faces limitations in accessing adequate public funding. In response, the state government offered ICT the status of a State Technological University, and the Directorate of Technical Education (DTE) formally requested the institute in April 2026 to submit a proposal for the transition.
Key Concerns Raised
During the meeting, the minister was informed that ICT requires substantial financial support for capital expenditure to create world-class infrastructure for teaching, learning, and research. The institute noted that central funding agencies treat it like a private university due to its deemed-to-be status, hindering access to funds. ICT wishes to retain its elite Centre of Excellence status granted by the Maharashtra government and function on par with institutes of national importance like IITs and IISERs. This implies maintaining similar service conditions, such as a retirement age of 65, annual block grants, and infrastructure funding.
Next Steps
The institute stated that it will consider the DTE's request only after consulting all stakeholders, including faculty, support staff, students, and alumni. It will also make necessary modifications to current statutes to improve its academic, administrative, and financial autonomy. The matter will be discussed in appropriate forums such as the academic council and board of governors. Based on these discussions, ICT will decide whether to submit a proposal to the DTE.
