The Maharashtra government's Higher and Technical Education Department on Monday granted final approval for the establishment of a new college, "Narmada College of Science and Arts," located in Mohadi, in Bhandara district, for the academic year 2025-26. The decision follows a court order in relation to a writ petition filed by Saujanya Education Society against the rejection of the final approval for the institution.

The newly approved college will offer two undergraduate courses: Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BSc), with a total intake of 240 students. The BA programme will be taught in Marathi, while the BSc programme will be conducted in English. Both courses will follow the curriculum as prescribed by Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj Nagpur University.

As per the conditions of approval, the college will operate on a permanently unaided basis, meaning it will not receive financial support from the government for salaries or other expenses related to teaching and non-teaching staff. The institution is also required to submit an affidavit, confirming that no future grant demands will be made.

The GR issued on Monday stipulates that the university will not grant affiliation to the college until the required compliance documents are submitted. Additionally, the college must work towards obtaining National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) accreditation within the prescribed time frame.

Furthermore, the resolution mandates strict adherence to the approved student intake, and universities will be responsible for conducting periodic review of newly approved institutions to ensure compliance

with the established norms. Should the college fail to enroll at least 50% of the approved intake, the recognition could be revoked.

The unaided status means the institution must sustain itself financially, which could be a challenge, but it also ensures independence in operations. Also, the requirement for NAAC accreditation and periodic reviews will help maintain academic quality.

This is a significant development for higher education in Maharashtra! The approval of Narmada College of Science and Arts will provide new educational opportunities for students in Mohadi, Bhandara district. Since the BA program will be in Marathi and the BSc in English, it caters to a diverse student base.