Directorate of Higher Education of Maharashtra

Overview

The Directorate of Higher Education (DHE), Maharashtra, is the principal administrative body responsible for overseeing and regulating higher education institutions in the state. Operating under the Department of Higher and Technical Education, Government of Maharashtra, the DHE plays a pivotal role in implementing policies, coordinating with institutions and facilitating various academic and administrative functions to enhance the quality and accessibility of higher education across Maharashtra.

History and Legal Framework

Established on November 1, 1984, the Directorate of Higher Education emerged as a separate entity following the bifurcation of the erstwhile Directorate of Education, which previously managed all levels of education in the state. This restructuring aimed to address the growing complexities and demands of higher education. The DHE operates within the legal framework provided by various state and national legislations, including:

• The Maharashtra Universities Act, 1994
• The Maharashtra Non-Agricultural Universities and Affiliated Colleges Standard Code (Terms and Conditions of Non-teaching Employees) Rule, 1984
• The Maharashtra Educational Institutions (Management) Act, 1976
• The Maharashtra Educational Institutions (Prohibition of Capitation Fee) Act, 1987 (Amendment) Act, 1996
• The Maharashtra Prohibition of Ragging Act, 1999
• The Maharashtra Prevention of Malpractices in University Board and Other Specified Examinations Ordinance, 1982

These legislations provide the regulatory framework within which the DHE operates, ensuring the development, governance and quality assurance of higher education institutions in Maharashtra.

Mission, Vision and Objectives

Mission: To ensure equitable access to quality higher education and to foster an environment conducive to academic excellence and innovation.

Vision: To transform higher education in Maharashtra into a globally competitive and inclusive system that meets the aspirations of students and contributes to the socio-economic development of the state.

Objectives:

• To regulate and oversee the functioning of higher education institutions in Maharashtra.
• To implement and monitor centrally sponsored schemes like Rashtriya Uchchattar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) for the enhancement of higher education.
• To facilitate the establishment of new colleges and universities in underserved areas.
• To promote research and innovation within higher education institutions.
• To ensure the development of infrastructure and human resources in the education sector.
• To provide scholarships and financial assistance to deserving students.

Governance, Structure and Independence

The Directorate of Higher Education is headed by a Director General, supported by Joint Directors, Deputy Directors and other administrative staff. The directorate operates under the Ministry of Higher and Technical Education, Government of Maharashtra and collaborates with various stakeholders, including universities, colleges and technical institutions, to implement its policies and programs. The Maharashtra State Higher Education Council, established under the Maharashtra State Higher Education Council Act, 2018, works in conjunction with the DHE to regulate, supervise and develop higher education in the state. While the DHE functions within the framework set by the state government, it maintains a degree of autonomy to address the specific needs of higher education in Maharashtra.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation

The Directorate of Higher Education plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality of higher education in Maharashtra. While it does not directly accredit institutions, it collaborates closely with national accreditation bodies such as the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and the National Board of Accreditation (NBA) to facilitate the accreditation process for institutions in Maharashtra. The DHE also implements quality enhancement programs, provides funding for infrastructure development and encourages institutions to adopt best practices in teaching, learning and administration. Through these efforts, the DHE aims to improve the overall quality of education and ensure that institutions meet national standards.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

The Directorate of Higher Education actively seeks international collaborations to enhance the quality of education and research in Maharashtra. In partnership with the British Council, the DHE works towards the internationalization of higher education in the state. This collaboration seeks to enhance the curriculum, provide faculty training and leadership development, support student mobility and improve students' skills. By strengthening educational and cultural exchanges, this partnership contributes to the state's aspirations for knowledge and economic development.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

The Directorate of Higher Education continues to play a significant role in shaping the future of higher education in Maharashtra. Under the leadership of Director General Shailendra Deolankar, the directorate is focusing on enhancing the quality of education, improving infrastructure and promoting skill development. The state government has also launched initiatives aimed at upgrading educational facilities, constructing hostels and teachers' quarters and implementing inter-village school models. These efforts are expected to address infrastructural deficiencies, improve access to education and enhance the overall quality of higher and technical education in Maharashtra.

Summary

The Directorate of Higher Education of Maharashtra is a key agency responsible for the development and regulation of higher education in the state. Established to oversee universities, government colleges and non-government (provincialised) colleges, the directorate works under the Ministry of Higher and Technical Education, Government of Maharashtra, to implement policies and programs that enhance the quality and accessibility of education. Through its initiatives, the directorate aims to foster a knowledge-driven society, promote research and innovation and bridge the skill gap in various sectors. The directorate's efforts are aligned with national policies and are supported by collaborations with national and international agencies.

FAQs

• What is the Directorate of Higher Education?
  The Directorate of Higher Education is the principal government agency responsible for overseeing and regulating higher education in Maharashtra.
• When was the Directorate established?
  The Directorate was formally constituted on November 1, 1984, following the bifurcation of the Directorate of Education.
• What are the key functions of the Directorate?
  The Directorate regulates and oversees the functioning of higher education institutions, implements centrally sponsored schemes like RUSA, promotes research and innovation and ensures the development of infrastructure and human resources in the education sector.
• Who heads the Directorate?
  The Directorate is headed by a Director General, supported by Joint Directors, Deputy Directors and other administrative staff.
• Does the Directorate provide scholarships?
  Yes, the Directorate provides scholarships and financial assistance to deserving students to support their education.
• Is the Directorate involved in international collaborations?
  The Directorate actively seeks international collaborations to enhance the quality of education and research in Maharashtra.
• What is the Maharashtra State Higher Education Council?
  The Maharashtra State Higher Education Council, established under the Maharashtra State Higher Education Council Act, 2018, works in conjunction with the Directorate to regulate, supervise and develop higher education in the state.

Organization Name

Directorate of Higher Education of Maharashtra

Acronym

Year of Establishment

1/01/1960

Control Type

Public

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

Local or Regional

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

Central Building
Pune
411001 Maharashtra India

Phone

+91 (20) 2613 0627

Fax

+91 (20) 2611 1153

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

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Directorate of Higher Education of Maharashtra's X page

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Wikipedia Article

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