In a significant move towards integrating skill-based education into the mainstream, the Maharashtra State Commission for Higher Education and Development (MAHED) on Thursday approved a proposal allowing the state's first skill university to have affiliated colleges. The Ratan Tata Maharashtra State Skills University, which operates under the department of skill development and entrepreneurship, had been functioning as a unitary model without affiliated colleges until now.
Special Meeting Called for Proposal
MAHED, which is chaired by the chief minister, typically convenes around August or September each year. However, a special meeting was called specifically to discuss the proposal from the skills university, according to sources. The commission has approved the proposal, but has also issued a caution against the unchecked proliferation of institutes.
Plan for 19 Skill-Oriented Colleges
The skills university had put forward a plan to establish approximately 19 colleges that would offer skill-focused undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Under central government norms, skill universities can have up to 200 such centers. The university presented its proposal based on the submissions it had received, and the commission granted its approval. Previously, the university operated as a unitary entity, offering undergraduate courses such as the B Voc, without the authority to affiliate other institutions.
No Overlap with Traditional Courses
An official clarified that while there were initial concerns about potential overlap with courses offered by traditional colleges under the higher and technical education department—which are also integrating skill education—the skill department has assured that this will not happen. The objective is to foster a competitive environment where the best institutions can thrive. The higher education department, under the National Education Policy, has been working to make traditional courses more employable by adding skill components. Last year, it encouraged colleges to offer apprenticeship-embedded degree programs. Although the response was limited last year, participation is expected to increase this year.
Industry Demand for Skilled Manpower
An official from the state's skills university highlighted that massive investments are occurring across industries, necessitating a skilled workforce in various sectors. The university aims to design courses around these requirements and supply trained manpower to industries. There will be no duplication of existing courses offered by traditional institutions. The courses will be niche and skill-focused, though their exact names have yet to be decided.
Current Scenario of B Voc Courses
Several colleges affiliated with traditional state universities already offer B Voc courses. However, the demand for these courses has not met expectations. In the same meeting, the higher and technical education department also secured approval for a perspective plan related to engineering and technological colleges. Additionally, it was decided that no new pharmacy colleges will be permitted in the state.
