Mumbai: Colleges and cluster universities are applying for funds through various schemes of the Centre as the state government is not providing sufficient funds for the betterment of higher education. And in order to achieve this, they are focussing on improving ranking by enhancing existing teaching faculty, better academic performance and increasing variety of courses offered.
Degree colleges revealed they have to turn to the Central government for funds as they are not able to sustain through the minimal financial aid provided by the state. A principal of a government-aided suburban college said, “We have not received sufficient funds to pay the salaries of our teachers. Every year we try to get the funds by increasing course fees but we cannot let students bear the brunt of paying high-end fees.
If it is a government-aided college then it is the duty of the government to manage funds. Now, colleges are applying for funds under various schemes of the Centre. Recently, an amount of Rs 170 crore was granted to colleges and universities of Maharashtra for improving the education system and infrastructure.
Colleges claimed they can utilise these grants for improving infrastructure, start new courses, hire subject experts, initiate new programmes for students and add new facilities. Marie Fernandes, Principal of St Andrew’s College, said, “Aided colleges are in need of funds as the funds provided by the state are not sufficient. We can use these funds for various purposes and provide better facilities for students.”
