Mumbai: Following a prolonged senate meeting for two days, the Mumbai University (MU) officials finally passed the annual budget of Rs 695 crores for the academic year 2019-20, on Thursday.
Focussing on improving the quality of education for both students and teachers, members of the varsity claimed the mission is to be in the top 100 universities of the world. Among the new initiatives and schemes to be implemented this year, research is the primary focus according to the budget plan.
An amount of Rs 3.25 crore has been allocated for Incentives for Researchers. Suhas Pednekar, Vice Chancellor of MU said, “We aim to start a research culture by encouraging both students and faculty members to initiate, participate and help in research projects.”
In order to facilitate research work, an amount of Rs 1.50 crore is provided for the new incubation centre. Ravindra Kulkarni, Pro Vice Chancellor of MU, said, “We want students to take interest in research, entrepreneurships and startups. They can present their business ideas and use this incubation centre for their growth.”
Along with research, the university aims to grow globally by organising study tours for members at the international and national level. The Cell for International Collaboration will help students to participate in foreign exchange programmes and an amount of Rs five lakhs has been sanctioned for the same.
Infrastructure development like constructing a new hostel with 500 rooms for female students, guests houses with a 100 capacity, staff quarters and students’ centre are major focus areas of the university. Pednekar said, “We have allotted Rs 1.50 crore for Women welfare schemes. Also, we want to improve accommodation facilities on campus for students.”
Senate members claimed the university should put into action what they claim, propose or plan. They said, “We want the university to utilise all the money of the annual budget for the benefit of students, teachers and non-teaching staff members.”
