“Autonomy is perceived as a burden, rather than opportunity by most colleges. Instead of convincing colleges to opt for autonomy, the state government should make it compulsory for all eligible colleges to file autonomy applications,” said Dr Ashok Joshi, founder and director, IndSearch that got its autonomy status a year ago. He was speaking at a seminar on ‘advantages of autonomy to colleges’ organised by The Modern College of Computer and Business Studies that was attended by 50 college principals.

All colleges that have 10 years of standing and permanent affiliation and have been awarded B+ and above grade by NAAC are eligible for autonomy.

The two common myths — teachers’ salaries will go down and they will have more workload after autonomy – are withholding colleges from not applying for autonomy status, said Dr Pandit Vidyasagar, director, Board of Colleges and University Development, UoP.

“However, this does not hold true. Autonomy, in fact, gives freedom to institutes to improve on their quality, inculcate innovative teaching methods and update syllabus,” he added.

In comparison with Rajasthan and Kerala where 80 per cent education funds are diverted towards autonomous colleges, Maharashtra is way behind, Ekbote said.