Community college tag for 3 Mumbai institutes

MUMBAI: Three colleges from Mumbai University were selected by the University Grants Commission (UGC) for the ‘Community College’ Scheme. Ramnarain Ruia College, Matunga, Birla College, Kalyan, and Guru Nanak College, GTB Nagar, will be offering industry-oriented courses.
While Ruia will offer a course in ‘pharma-analytical science’ under the scheme, Birla will offer a diploma course in accounting and taxation and Guru Nanak will introduce a retail management course in collaboration with industries.
A total 106 colleges in the country were selected by the UGC under the scheme, of which 19 are from the state.
Under the scheme, industry-based training is imparted to students, at affordable fees. The plan aims to expand job opportunities for students who have passed the 12th grade but are unable to complete their higher studies, by providing them skill-based education. Since these colleges will receive grants from the UGC for the initial two years, the fee structure will be minimal.
“An important aspect of this scheme is collaborations with industries. It serves as a wonderful opportunity for students to secure jobs and for industries to get trained workers,” said Suhas Pednekar, Principal, Ruia College. Naresh Chandra, principal, Birla College, said they will tie up with chartered accountancy firms to offer the programme in their college.—Nupur Karam