Date:28/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/28/stories/2008122857930100.htm

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More self-financing colleges may get autonomy

Staff Reporter

Institutions over 10 years asked to apply to UGC
Need for academic autonomy for teachers reiterated

TIRUCHI: Bharathidasan University, which has in its fold 17 autonomous colleges, the highest for a territorial university in the State, is poised to consolidate its position since prospects have brightened for self-financing colleges to acquire ‘autonomy’ status.

Vice-Chancellor M. Ponnavaikko confirmed receipt of autonomy applications from self-financing colleges, including two women colleges in the city.

The university had recently advised self-financing colleges which had completed 10 years to apply to the University Grants Commission (UGC) for autonomy status before this month-end.

The advice was given in the wake of the stand taken by the UGC that autonomy would be considered for all colleges _ aided, unaided, partly-aided and self-financing.

The colleges must have obtained recognition under Section 2(f) of UGC Act. However, conferment of autonomy will not entitle self-financing colleges to receive any grant.

Reiterating that academic autonomy for teachers is a crucial requirement for development of intellectual climate, UGC Joint Secretary K.P. Singh wrote to universities last month that the Education Commission had recommended the concept of autonomy for promotion of academic excellence.

Since the number of autonomous colleges was very less , the UGC had decided to identify some reputed colleges for autonomy, Mr. Singh said.

Colleges, which have completed three terms of autonomy, can aspire for ‘degree awarding’ status.

“The modalities are being evolved by the UGC,” Prof. Ponnavaikko said.