The Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT) in Matunga, Mumbai, which has enjoyed 'deemed-to-be university' status for nearly 18 years, is now looking to shed this tag. Despite the academic autonomy that comes with deemed status, the institute finds itself increasingly excluded from major state and central government funding opportunities.
Funding Challenges Due to Deemed Status
Although ICT meets the criteria in terms of research output, publications, and other academic prerequisites, its deemed status has prevented it from applying for central schemes like the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) and PM-USHA. With the Maharashtra government's CM-USHA scheme on the horizon, aimed at enhancing research infrastructure in state universities, ICT once again risks being excluded due to its classification.
Unique Position Among Deemed Universities
Most deemed-to-be universities are sponsored by private bodies, but ICT is a rare exception as a state-sponsored deemed university. A government official revealed that the institute has informally communicated its intent to the state's higher and technical education department. However, a formal proposal will only be submitted after discussions with its governing board. The institute wishes to retain the autonomy it enjoys in academics and governance—including appointments, admissions, and other decisions—while relinquishing the official deemed tag.
Exploring Alternative Models
Officials have suggested that an independent entity similar to the COEP Technological University in Pune could be a viable model. While converting into a full-fledged state university is one option, ICT is seeking a special category that allows it to drop the 'deemed' label without losing academic autonomy.
Historical Background
ICT was established in 1933 as the University Department of Chemical Technology under Mumbai University. Over the years, it gained partial autonomy from the University Grants Commission, later full autonomy, and finally became a deemed-to-be university on September 12, 2008, after a peer review process. In 2012, the state assembly granted it Elite Status and a Centre of Excellence tag, placing it on par with IISERs and IITs.
Declining NIRF Rankings
The institute's rank in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) has declined over the past couple of years, with academics attributing the drop to reduced funding. However, its position in the pharmacy category has remained stable. The matter was discussed in a recent meeting with Higher Education Minister Chandrakant Patil, and the Director of Technical Education has been asked to provide feedback.
