2 out of 3 colleges of Mumbai University are 'unfit': CAG

According to the CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General of India) report, two out of three colleges affiliated to Mumbai University are unfit to function. Worse, with the city's largest public university permitting them to run in a state academic anemia, the culture of temporary affiliation has become a chronic affliction over the decades. Out of 741 colleges that are affiliated to Mumbai University, 564 colleges doesn't have permanent affiliation.

This shocking piece of information was revealed in the latest report of state's auditor, CAG, accessed under the Right to Information Act.

While giving the affiliation, factors like infrastructure, teachers, library and administration are taken into account.

The CAG also points out that inspection report are 'vague', not quantifiable against norms. For instance, the Local Inquiry Council (LIC) for Thadomal Shahani Engineering College for 2008-09 noted a shortfall in area, tutorial rooms, faculty, inadequate library/ laboratory/ canteen space and classroom in old building. The 11th floor of the same building is used for another college.

The report points out the delays were noticed in constituting the LIC. For instance, Terna Engineering College, Navi Mumbai, was granted continuation of affiliation for the years 2009-10 and 2010-11 on the basis of the report of the LIC which visited the college on 26th March, 2010. There have not been any subsequent visits of the LIC. Thus, continuation of college/ courses during 2012-13 is without affiliation.

The auditor's shocking report says "in spite of lack of important facilities in various colleges continuously for years together, the LICs recommend continuation of affiliation, encouraging defaulting colleges to continue without the fulfilment of conditions."

Report added "As this practice has continued for about 30 years, it can be concluded that this has had a detrimental effect on the quality of education and academic career of the students."