The state government of Maharashtra has initiated the process of revival of the Maharashtra State Council for higher education which is an overarching body for planning and development of higher and technical education in the state.
The council’s prime mandate will be to prepare policies for planned development of higher and technical education in the state. The government had sought various proposals and nominations for this multi-member body from the state universities. The move is seen in context with the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) which aims at strategic funding and support to the state higher education system in order to achieve the goals of equity, access and excellence. The state won’t get any of the benefits under the RUSA unless there is a higher education council in place and this has given the push for revival of the body. The council will be the highest decision making body for recommending policies and changes in the field of higher education. It is expected to be a 25 to 26 member body to be headed by the chief minister and will consist of the minister for higher and technical education, deputy minister, nominated experts from academics, vice chancellors and principals among others.
