Report of the Committee on Upgradation of Government and Government aided colleges into Unitary Universities

Executive Summary

Responding to the decision of the Government of Tamil Nadu (Vide G.O.(1D) No:182) to go into the issues of upgradation of Government and Government Aided Colleges into Unitary Universities, the Five Member Committee constituted for this purpose (Annexure 1) has firstly analyzed in detail the rationale for upgradation of the Government and Government aided colleges into unitary universities. Secondly after examining the profiles of the existing Government and Aided Colleges in terms of eight explicit criteria, the committee has proposed a point system that can be helpful for initial ranking of the colleges for eligibility for Unitary University status.
The Committee found 150 colleges in Tamil Nadu may qualify for upgradation. The Government may decide the number it should choose for the purpose. The Committee considered seriously the representations from several teachers' associations expressing misgivings about the upgradation of colleges into universities. Therefore, the committee has suggested the procedure for evaluating the colleges for upgradation and the guidelines that should be incorporated in the Acts and Statutes to overcome the misgivings. The committee has also suggested the agenda for follow up action by the Government.
The move to upgrade colleges into universities will be an historic initiative by the Tamil Nadu Government. The present national policies offer most appropriate opportunities for this purpose which should not be missed at any cost.