The University of Mumbai is planning to expand research activities in its academic programmes. “The university hopes to admit a large number of students and still wishes to retain its inclusive character without compromising on quality, said vice chancellor of the University of Mumbai, Dr Vijay Khole. “As competition demands, the university and its affiliated colleges will also aim to ‘produce trained skilled students for the industry,” he added.

Identified as the one of the 14 universities by the department of science and technology that has contributed to science and technology, Khole said, in 2009 and the coming years, the university would see more emphasis on research component in syllabi of not just science but also humanities and liberal arts studies.

He added that the university will introduce many more research-based programmes. The university also hopes to extend collaborative linkages with eminent universities abroad following visits by delegations of principals of various colleges to the US, UK and Australia last year. The university of Mumbai is also set to get a new vice chancellor after the term of the present vice chancellor Dr Vijay Khole ends in 2008.

At school level, new initiatives and schemes are gradually taking shape. Basanti Roy, secretary, Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) said, “Innovations are taking place. We hope to upgrade our existing system by becoming more vigilant to ensure excellence in schools. For the same reason, we are also looking forward to School Assessment and Accreditation Council (SAAC), which will hopefully come into existence this year.”