Mumbai University to get heritage tag and fat fund for being 150+ years old

Universities across the country that are more than 100 years old will receive special privileges and a fat financial grant from the human resource development ministry (HRD).

The University of Mumbai is among those being considered for the ‘heritage’ status. And this will be done under a new scheme approved by the ministry where universities will be given ‘special heritage status’, which will entitle them to exclusive benefits such as exemption from certain government rules and regulations in matters of governance, appointment of the head of the university, appointment of faculty, teachers and staff.

These ‘heritage universities’ will be eligible for a special annual grant ranging from Rs8-12 crore. The heritage status will be similar to the autonomous status granted by the UGC to select colleges. 

The scheme, to be implemented by UGC, insists on a century-old existence for a university to be considered for heritage status. Heritage institutions should essentially be those that have witnessed and weathered storms over decades in their journey towards excellence. The universities will have to have an impeccable academic record, excel in serving the weaker sections of society, have a charitable and non-profit motive, and be set up with the nation’s needs in mind.

Two central universities, seven state universities and six deemed universities are being considered for this status. The universities of Calcutta (1857), Bombay (1857), Madras (1857) are among them. Universities that are 150 years or more old will get an annual grant of Rs10-12 crore. Those aged between 125 and 149 will get Rs8-10 crore and universities between 100 years old and 124 years old will receive up to Rs8 crore every year.