Are engineering colleges functioning without affiliation In Mumbai?

64 engineering colleges are affiliated to the Mumbai University (MU) and their temporary affiliation is renewed every year. Reply to an application filed under the Right to Information (RTI) Act has revealed that the temporary affiliation granted to 60 engineering colleges has not been renewed due to non compliance with the norms likely those of infrastructure, faculty and occupation certificate as mandated under the university rules. However, despite lapse of the recognition, the colleges continue to function. These colleges have been permitted by the Directorate of Technical Education to participate in its online admission process and they have been permitted to enhance their fees annually by the Shikshan Shulk Samiti.

The procedure for affiliation by the university requires inspection of the college by a local inspection committee (LIC) to confirm whether the norms are being complied. Their report is placed before the Board of College and University Development (BUCD) and after the final approval by the academic council, the affiliation is granted The reply to RTI application has shown that the LIC has not visited any of the 64 colleges since 2011-12. In some cases, LIC visited the colleges but no report was submitted to MU. The reply has shown that:

·         The LIC visited the Vishwaniketan's Institute of Management Entrepreneurship and Engineering Technology, Khalapur (Raigad) (established in 2013) and affiliation has been granted to the college though the LIC report is yet to be received.

·         Watumall Engineering College, Worli, and KJ Somaiya College, Ghatkopar, were granted temporary affiliation for 2008-09. There has been no subsequent visit by the LIC and these colleges continue to function.

·         Anjuman-I-Islam College of Engineering, Byculla, got a temporary affiliation in 2009-10 and is working without any subsequent LIC visits.

·         The only college to get permanent affiliation is the Vivekanand College of Engineering, Chembur.

The registrar of Mumbai University MA Khan reportedly contradicted the reply given by the PIO claiming that LIC visited the colleges during April-May and the LIC reports were placed before the Academic Council in June. He informed that the Academic Council has granted the temporary approval to all engineering institutes barring five which had some deficiencies. The Mumbai-based NGO, Citizen Forum for Sanctity in Educational System (CFSES) has demanded action such colleges.