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A look at MAHARera chairman Ajoy Mehta's illustrious career ahead of his retirem

MahaRERA Chairman Ajoy Mehta is retiring from the position tomorrow on September 20. A position that he held since February 2021. During his long and illustrious service, he has held very important, responsible and challenging positions in the overall development of the State such as of Maharashtra’s Chief Secretary, Commissioner of Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, Chairman and Managing Director of Maharashtra State Power Generation Limited, Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited among various others.   Meanwhile, Manoj Saunik [61], 1987 batch of IAS and former Chief Secretary, State of Maharashtra, and Principal advisor to chief minister will take charge as new MahaRERA chairman from tomorrow. He will supersede Ajoy Mehta, who retires from his position tomorrow. Saunik, a graduate in Arts (Political Science) from St. Xaviers College, Kolkatta, did his Masters in International Studies from JNU, New Delhi. Saunik will take oath at 12 noon on September 20 at Atul Save, Minister for Housing at Mantralaya chamber. On his superannuation, here, are flashback of some key decisions taken during the tenure of Ajoy Mehta…. Project Information Disclosure To enable homebuyers to have access to credible and reliable information about any project, he insisted that the developers share important details about the project with the public. To achieve this, there has been an emphasis on numerous disclosures related to the project. As per MahaRERA's directives, since developers are now required to mandatorily disclose crucial project related information, the information flow and its reliability has increased. With all the information being publicly available, especially on MahaRERA's website, homebuyers are better equipped to make informed decisions about purchasing a home and to keep a tab on the property they have invested in.  Other States Have Followed Suit The decisions initiated by MahaRERA and after their success in Maharashtra, regulatory authorities in other states replicated as per their requirements, establishing micro-control rooms to ensure regulatory compliance, among others. When registering new projects, developers and all directors involved are required to submit detailed information about their previous performance and their DIN (Director Identification Number) on a self-affidavit. Likewise, it has also become mandatory for the developers to issue a 'Quality Assurance Certificate' at the end of every financial year to guarantee project’s construction quality. For senior citizens and retirement homes, a detailed framework outlining the minimum amenities and facilities to be provided was also formalised. Furthermore, to ensure transparency, developers have been asked to open three separate designated bank accounts for every project, this is enabling better monitoring of transaction flow. Additionally, a three-tiered scrutiny—legal, financial, and technical—is conducted during the registration process to ensure that projects are completed within the promised timeframe, with no possibility of delay. To address compensation claims, a retired Additional District Collector was appointed with the instructions to establish Grievance Redressal Cell with a designated officer, initiating a conciliation forum to resolve issues between homebuyers and developers. In another decision, it was made mandatory to display QR code along with MahaRERA number in all advertisements to enable better access to problem information. Those advertisements lacking the MahaRERA registration number and QR code were subjected to suo moto punitive action by MahaRERA. Another important step taken was to provide an exit or provision to developers to cancel the registration of unviable projects and also making it mandatory for the real estate agents to obtain certification through training and examination to ensure they have knowledge of regulatory provisions. Here’s a brief account of some of the important decisions taken: Standardized - Agreement for  Sale And Allotment Letter It is mandatory for the developer to abide by the draft Agreement for Sale and Allotment Letter, as approved by MahaRERA, to formalise the transaction between homebuyers and themselves. In the agreement for sale the provisions and clauses on force majeure, carpet area, defect liability period and conveyance deed cannot be altered. Additionally, the allotment letter must include specific details such as the apartment number, carpet area and the expected date of project’s completion. Parking Facility And Amenities It has been made mandatory for the developers to include details such as size, width, length, height, and slot number of the parking given to the homebuyer, in the agreement for sale as well as allotment letter. Additionally, all proposed and assured amenities such as swimming pools and gyms, along with their expected availability dates and area specifications, must also be recorded in the agreement for sale. These provisions have been made essential and non-negotiable. Establishing Micro-Control Room to Ensure Regulatory Compliance According to regulatory provisions, it is mandatory to regularly update quarterly and annual reports on the MahaRERA’s website, detailing the number of units sold, revenue inflows, expenditure incurred, project’s latest status and any modifications made to the project. These reports enable updated information of the project and irregularities, if any can be identified. This entire process allows for the identification of "red flag" projects and those with financial irregularities (NCLT), facilitating timely preventive measures. To ensure effective monitoring of the real estate projects, a micro-control room was set-up.  Mandatory Submission of DIN for  Directors While registering a project, developers are asked to provide the DIN (Director Identification Number) of all the directors involved in the project, along with their professional performance on a self-affidavit. This requirement ensures that homebuyers can access information about the performance of these directors in other projects, aiding them in making informed decisions.  Dedicated Revenue Officer for Compensation Recovery To ensure the recovery of compensation as ordered by MahaRERA, a retired officer of the rank of Additional District Collector was appointed. This officer is responsible for persistently following up with DistrictCollectors, Dy Collectors  and Tehsildars to expedite the process. This measure yielded the desired result as the recovery rate immensely improved.  Establishing Grievance Redressal Cell After an apartment is registered, homebuyers encounter multiple types of issues and difficulties and at times are unable to get their matters resolved from the developers as the marketing office is shut. To address this element, MahaRERA had issued directives to all the developers to establish a Complaint Redressal Cell and appoint at least one designated officer for its management. The name and contact details of this officer must be prominently displayed at the project’s site as well as on their own website. Conciliation Forum  AT MahaRERA A conciliation and dispute resolution forum was created to help both homebuyers and developers resolve the issues arising post-sales. The move is assisting the homebuyers to get better support from MahaRERA and ensure compliance by the developers. Guidelines For Retirement And Senior Citizens Housing MahaRERA has rolled out a comprehensive set of guidelines pertaining to standards, criteria and specifications that a developer into retirement and senior citizen housing needs to adhere to. These guidelines address essential aspects of building’s design and amenities to meet the primary needs of this demographic. The regulations provide clear instructions on building layout, kitchen design, bathroom facilities, elevators and ramps, stairs, emergency exits, lighting plans, ventilation and safety and security measures. Developers are required to construct these projects in accordance with these detailed guidelines. Adherence to these standards is mandatory for developers, who must also incorporate these provisions into the agreement for sale appropriately.  Designated Bank Accounts for Financial Discipline To ensure accounting of all the revenue received from the homebuyers and to maintain financial discipline in housing projects, developers are required to open three dedicated bank accounts in the same bank, namely, MahaRERA Designated Collection Account to receive all revenues from homebuyers, MahaRERA Designated Separate Account to utilise 70% of the proceeds for the project’s land and construction costs and MahaRERA Designated Transaction Account to manage the balance 30% of developer’s share of funds. This move has ensured to safeguard against any external claims and provide legal protection for the funds.  Three Tiered Scrutiny AT The Time of Projects Registration To ensure that projects are completed within the promised timeframe and to prevent complaints from homebuyers, MahaRERA has introduced a three-tiered scrutiny process for new project registrations. This scrutiny involves assessments of legal, financial and technical aspects of the proposed projects. Projects are thoroughly evaluated through three independent groups on these three criteria. It is only after the projects meet the regulatory requirements, a MahaRERA registration number is granted.

19 September,2024 10:01 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Waikar has organised the camp for residents of North West Lok Sabha constituency.

Residents can avail free medical consultation in Jogeshwari this Sunday

Shiv Sena, under the guidance of its Member of Parliament (MP) Ravindra Waikar, has organised a free mega health camp on Sunday, September 22. The camp is being organised by the Mumbai North West Lok Sabha constituency MP with the help of the municipal corporation to ensure that all the patients can timely treatment. The camp will be held from 9 am to 2 pm on the premises of Icchapurti Ganesh Mandir Complex in Shyam Nagar on Jogeshwari Vikhroli Link Road at Jogeshwari (East). Waikar organises an annual  health camp for the residents of his constituency. For Sunday's camp, attempts are being made to provide free medicines, treatment and doctors' consultation on various diseases to residents. Wheelchairs, neck belts, walkers, knee pads, support sticks and free medicines will be distributed to the persons with disabilities of the Lok Sabha constituency. The camp will cover general health, as well as eye, ear, nose and throat, gynaecology, orthopaedics, ophthalmology and paediatrics. Ayurvedic and homeopathic treatment will also be included during the camp. Doctors from various hospitals of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region as well as Rotary Clubs and voluntary organisations will participate in the camp. The Shiv Sena has appealed to the citizens of the Mumbai North West Lok Sabha constituency to take advantage of this camp.  

19 September,2024 09:44 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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MMRDA, World Economic Forum forge historic memorandum of collaboration

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has signed a Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) with the World Economic Forum (WEF). MMRDA is the first parastatal agency to sign such an agreement with WEF, the authority stated on Thursday. "This partnership represents a bold step towards realizing Maharashtra's vision of becoming a $1 trillion economy while setting global standards for urban development," MMRDA stated in a press release.  WEF Founder and Executive Chairman Professor Klaus Schwab signed the MoC during his first visit to Maharashtra in 45 years. According to MMRDA, the MoC focuses on advancing sustainable urban and infrastructure development in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), creating a framework for continuous dialogue and collaboration between the two organisations. MMR currently contributes $140 billion to India’s GDP. This figure is expected to reach $300 billion by 2030. The collaboration with WEF is likely to leverage MMRDA’s leadership in executing large-scale infrastructure projects. WEF’s extensive network across 130 cities and 185 business partners will provide MMRDA with cutting-edge solutions for climate-resilient, sustainable, and inclusive growth. This partnership aims to position MMR as a global hub for commerce, investment, and livability, fostering innovation in social, digital, and physical infrastructure. The MoC also aligns with Maharashtra's roadmap towards a $1-trillion economy and supports the state’s ambitious climate goals of achieving near net-zero emissions by 2047. Key focus areas include public transportation, affordable housing, logistics, green infrastructure, and the integration of AI investments. The collaboration is expected to create millions of jobs in technology, finance, healthcare, education, and logistics sectors. Additionally, this initiative will bolster Maharashtra’s economy by promoting real estate, manufacturing, and services, positioning the region as a leader in sustainable, inclusive, and resilient urban development. The MoC is expected to enhance MMR's global competitiveness by facilitating the exchange of best practices and technologies between Indian and international businesses. With an emphasis on promoting start-ups, the fintech sector, and sustainable infrastructure, this collaboration will attract global talent and investments, particularly in the finance and services sectors. MMRDA Metropolitan Commissioner Dr Sanjay Mukherjee has been coordinating with the NITI Aayog for implementing its recommendations for MMR. Currently, more than Rs 3 lakh crore worth of infrastructure projects are underway in the region. This MoC will further boost these efforts, promoting economic inclusivity and creating significant opportunities for global conferences, exhibitions, and trade events, ultimately enhancing Maharashtra’s position as a global leader in business, innovation, and sustainability, MMRDA stated. During the collaboration, Professor Schwab said, “I deeply appreciate the signing of this Memorandum of Collaboration with MMRDA. This partnership injects an essential international dimension into the region’s growth plan. As I envision the future, I see Mumbai emerging as one of the seven or eight truly global cities that matter, standing alongside hubs like Singapore, London, and New York. I am confident that through strong implementation, Mumbai will achieve this remarkable transformation.”

19 September,2024 08:41 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Manoj Saunik

Maharashtra: Manoj Saunik to succeed Ajoy Mehta as MahaRERA chairman

Manoj Saunik, a 1987 batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, will be succeeding Ajoy Mehta as the new chairman of Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) from Friday, September 20. Saunik is the former Maharashtra Chief Secretary, who is currently serving as the principal advisor to the chief minister.    Saunik was appointed as Maharashtra’s Chief Secretary last year. During his career, he has held several important positions in the government, including that of Principal Secretary of the State Water Resources Department and Principal Secretary of the State Finance Department. He is known for his expertise in the areas of finance, infrastructure, and water resources management. In addition to his government service, Saunik has also served as a Director on the board of various companies and organisations, including the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation, and the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation.  

19 September,2024 08:37 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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Mumbai local train updates: Central Railway to operate a block this weekend

Central Railway will operate a special traffic and power block for de-launching of girders on Chandni Bundar Public Footover Bridge) using 140T crane at Thane station this weekend. The Up and Down Trans-Harbour lines as well as services on the 6th line are set to be affected on the intervening night of Saturday, September 21, and Sunday, September 22.  Train services will be impacted from 10.30 pm on Saturday to 4.30 am – (6 am) on the Up and Down Trans-Harbour lines as well as the 6th line. Traffic block sectionUp and Down Trans-Harbour lines: Kopar Khairane (excluding platforms) to Thane (including platforms) 6th line: Diva to Mulund (excluding crossovers) 6th Line: Diva to Mulund (Excluding Crossovers) The following Mail/Express trains running on the 6th Line will be diverted on the Up Fast line between Kalyan/Diva and Mulund/Vidyavihar stations: 11072 Kamayani Express 11100 Madgaon- LTT Express 12052 Madgaon-Mumbai- Janshtabdi Express 11082 Gorakhpur- LTT Express 22120 Madgaon-CSMT Tejas Express 22537 Gorakhpur-Mumbai Kushinagar Express 11062 Jaynagar- LTT Express 11020 Bhubaneshwar-Mumbai Konark Express 18030 Shalimar- LTT Express 18519 Vishakhapatnam -LTT Express 20104 Gorakhpur-LTT Superfast Express Suburban trains to be affected during the block period: The suburban services to Vashi/Panvel departing Thane from 10.01 pm to 12 am as well as trains to Thane departing from Vashi at 9.37 pm and from Panvel at 11.18 pm will remain cancelled. The last local before the block on the Down Trans-Harbour Line will depart Thane at 9.41 pm and arrive Vashi at 10.10 pm. The last local before the block on the Up Trans-Harbour line will depart Vashi at 9.24 pm and arrive Thane at 9.53 pm. The first local after the block on the Down Trans-Harbour line will depart Thane at 5.12 am and arrive Panvel at 6.04 am. The first local after the block  on the Up Trans-Harbour line will depart Vashi at 6.30 am and arrive Thane at 6.59 am. The Central Railway has requested passengers to bear with the administration for the inconvenience caused owing to this infrastructure block.

19 September,2024 07:27 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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Daund-Manmad project: Train services from Mumbai to be affected till Sept 22

Central Railway’s (CR) Pune Division will operate traffic and power blocks for pre-NI and NI (non-interlocking) works at Rahuri-Padhegaon stations in connection with the doubling project of Daund-Manmad section. The pre-NI work of three days will commence from Thursday and go on till Saturday. During the pre-NI period, blocks will be operated for three hours.  The NI work will be of 34 hours, starting from 5.30 am on Sunday and will end at 3.30 pm on Monday, September 23. A one-hour speed trial will be conducted for CRS inspection from 3.30 pm to 4.30 pm. Repercussions on train operations  Saturday, September 21: The service of train no 11041 Dadar-Sainagar Shirdi Express will remain cancelled.     Sunday, September 22:  Train no 11042 Sainagar Shirdi-Dadar Express will not operate on Sunday.     The railways has said that these blocks are crucial for the modernisation of rail infrastructure and essential for better connectivity. "Passengers are requested to bear with the railways for the inconvenience caused," a press release issued by the Public Relations Department of Central Railway, Mumbai stated.  CR's renewable energy efforts save Rs 4.62 crore The share of renewable energy consumption on Central Railway has reached 9.9% for traction (railway train operation) and 6.5% for non-traction (all other purposes) and it is likely to increase soon. These initiatives have led to total savings of Rs 4.62 crore, which includes savings of Rs.2.66 crore by the Mumbai Division, Rs 1.09 crore by the Bhusaval Division, Rs 0.69 crore by the Pune Division, Rs 0.10 crore by the Nagpur Division and Rs 0.08 crore by Solapur Division. Harnessing solar power is one of the various measures being adopted by Central Railway to utilize green and renewable energy resources. Solar Panels have been installed at 205 locations over all 5 divisions of Central Railway including 47 locations in Mumbai Division, 58 locations in Nagpur Division, 50 locations in Pune Division, 32 locations in Bhusaval Division and 18 locations in Solapur Division July-2024 which have provided significant Power for CR’s requirements and has resulted in a considerable saving of revenue as well. During the FY 2023-24, Solar Panels on Central Railway’s five divisions have generated 8.04 MU (Million Units) of Power which is equivalent to reducing 6594.81 tonnes of Carbon Foot Print.  

19 September,2024 06:43 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Mumbai Congress head Varsha Gaikwad welcomes former city police chief Sanjay Pande to the party on Thursday. PicX

Former Mumbai top cop Sanjay Pandey joins Congress ahead of Maharashtra polls

Former Mumbai Police Commissioner Sanjay Pandey, who was arrested in 2022 in the National Stock Exchange (NSE) co-location case, on Thursday joined the Congress ahead of the assembly polls in Maharashtra. He was inducted into the Congress by its Mumbai unit chief and Lok Sabha Member of Parliament (MP) Varsha Gaikwad at the party office in south Mumbai, news agency PTI reported. I am glad to welcome former DGP of Maharashtra and former CP of Mumbai Sanjay Pandey ji to the Congress family today. His integrity and dedication to upholding justice, even when facing politically motivated charges by BJP, reflect the core values we stand for. Throughout his… pic.twitter.com/uvS1W4yrOs — Prof. Varsha Eknath Gaikwad (@VarshaEGaikwad) September 19, 2024 Calling himself a 'secular-minded' person, the retired Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, who briefly served as the acting Maharashtra Director General of Police, maintained that no other political party, except the Congress, follows secular ideology. "I am not joining a party but a family. I wanted to join the Congress way back in 2004, but didn't get a chance," said Pandey on the occasion of his new political innings. Expressing confidence about the opposition Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coming to power in the state after the assembly polls, Pandey noted that under its rule, common citizens will not have to fear anything. "As a retired police commissioner, I can say how false cases were filed against me," he said. The retired 1986-batch IPS officer was arrested in 2022 by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money laundering case linked to the alleged illegal phone tapping of NSE employees. Pandey, probed in the case in connection with a company founded by him, was later granted bail. He served as Maharashtra's acting DGP and later as Mumbai Police commissioner when the MVA government, headed by Uddhav Thackeray, was in office. He was accused by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), then in the opposition, of conspiring with the MVA government to implicate its leaders in false cases. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.

19 September,2024 06:37 PM IST | Mumbai | PTI
Sanjay Shirsat at CIDCO Bhavan in Navi Mumbai after taking charge as the chairman of the city planning agency.

Maharashtra legislator Sanjay Shirsat takes charge as CIDCO chairman

Sanjay Shirsat, the Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Aurangabad West, took charge as the Chairman of City And Industrial Development Corporation Of Maharashtra Ltd (CIDCO) on Thursday, September 19. He took charge of his post at CIDCO Bhavan in Navi Mumbai. CIDCO's Vice-Chairman and Managing Director Vijay Singhal, Joint Managing Directors Shantanu Goyal, Ganesh Deshmukh, Dilip Dhole, and Chief Vigilance Officer Suresh Mengde were present on the occasion. While addressing the event, Shirsat said, "CIDCO has played a crucial role in Maharashtra's development so far. My focus will be on maintaining CIDCO's reputation as a leading authority in urban planning and development, while ensuring the timely completion of key projects such as the Navi Mumbai International Airport, NAINA (Navi Mumbai Airport Influence Notified Area ) City, and the mass housing scheme undertaken by CIDCO. Also, my priority will be to take decisions that will benefit the project-affected people of Navi Mumbai and the common citizens. CIDCO’s objective of making homes available to the common citizens at an affordable rate will be achieved soon."

19 September,2024 06:18 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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24 Hours water cutoff in Thane

The residents of Thane district will have to bear with water-cut for 24 hours till Friday 12pm, due to urgent repair work. Repair work to be taken from Katai Naka to Sheel Tank of the Barvi gravity channel , causing a complete water shutdown in Nehru Nagar and Kolshet Lower Village under Manpada Ward Committee. (Diva, Mumbra (Ward No. (except parts of 26 and 31) and all parts of Kalwa Ward Committee and Rupadevi Pada of Wagle Ward Committee, Kisanner No) The residents will also have to face low water pressure for the next 2 days after the supply starts.  The BMC has asked the residents to corporate with the Thane Municipal Corporation by using water sparingly for the next few days.  MIDC supplies water to Mumbra, Diva, Kalwa, Majiwada-Manpada and Wagle (in some areas) ward committees in the Thane Municipal Corporation area, this repair undertaken according to their water supply scheme.

19 September,2024 06:05 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondent
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Ruling party acting against its own MP: Bombay HC questions in 'Emergency' case

The Bombay High Court questioned whether the ruling party was working against its own MP, Kangana Ranaut, in the ongoing controversy over the certification of her film Emergency. Ranaut directed and co-produced the film, which portrays the late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and it has been delayed due to protests expressed by Sikh organisations over alleged historical inaccuracy, reported PTI.  According to the report, during the hearing, the Bombay HC chastised the Central Board of Picture Certification (CBFC) for neglecting to decide on certifying the movie. Venkatesh Dhond, senior attorney for Zed Entertainment, said that the CBFC was purposefully delaying the release for political purposes, alleging that the ruling party was attempting to pacify specific sections before the Haryana elections, the report further added. Justice BP Colabawalla noted that Ranaut, a BJP MP, was also a co-producer of Emergency, prompting the inquiry, "The co-producer herself is a BJP MP. She is also part of the ruling party. So you are saying her own party is against its member?" Following this, the senior attorney said that the saffron party was ready to displease its sitting parliamentarian to appease a particular section of society, stated the PTI report.  The court underlined its disapproval of the CBFC's handling of the situation, adding that creative freedom and freedom of speech should not be restricted due to concerns about public disruption. The HC, per the news agency report, said, "It was not for the CBFC to come to a conclusion that there may be a law and order problem and hence a movie cannot be certified." "This has to stop. Otherwise, we are completely curtailing creative freedom and freedom of expression by doing all this," the HC said. It asked, "Does the CBFC think the public in this country is so naive and stupid to believe everything they see in films? What about creative freedom?" The court has asked the CBFC to make a verdict on the film's certification by September 25. The bench further stressed that worries about potential law and order difficulties should not affect the certification process, as this was not a valid grounds to withhold certification, the news agency report stated.

19 September,2024 02:04 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Mumbai University/ File Photo

First ever University Department Ranking Framework launched by Mumbai varsity

In a groundbreaking initiative, Mumbai University (MU) has introduced the University Department Ranking Framework (UDRF), a first-of-its-kind evaluation system designed to assess and rank academic departments, schools, institutions, centres, sub-campuses, and model colleges. This new framework aims to promote academic excellence, research output, and governance quality across the university. The top-ranking departments will be awarded Research and Infrastructure Grants ranging from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 25 lakhs, along with citations and mementoes. This initiative, approved by the University’s Management Council on September 12, marks a pioneering step in the Indian higher education system. The Mumbai University, known for its diverse academic offerings, has 15 departments under the Science faculty, 8 under Commerce, Skills, Online/Distance Education, and Management, 10 in Humanities and Social Sciences, 15 under Languages, 12 in Interdisciplinary Studies, and 20 specialized Centres of Studies. Under the UDRF, all these departments will undergo a quantitative evaluation process based on established parameters such as those used in the NIRF, QS/Times Rankings, and NAAC/NBA Accreditations. Grant Allocation and Categories Departments will be ranked in their respective categories, with the top-ranking departments in the Science category receiving a research grant of Rs 15 lakhs. Other category toppers will be awarded Rs 10 lakhs, while top-performing Centres of Studies will receive Rs 5 lakhs. Second-place departments will also be recognized, with grants of Rs 7 lakhs for Science, Rs 5 lakhs for Humanities, Commerce, and Management, and Rs 2 lakhs for Centres of Studies. In addition to individual departmental rankings, an overall ranking of all 80 departments, schools, and centres will be announced. The highest-performing department in the overall category will receive an additional research grant of Rs 10 lakhs, while the second-placed department will receive Rs5 lakhs. Special funding will also be available for departments demonstrating potential for research excellence under the 'Department with Potential for Research Excellence' category. The university will also honour individual faculty members with awards for outstanding contributions to research and innovation, including the 'Best Research Funding and Innovation Award' and the 'Outstanding Research Publications Award'. Speaking about the launch of the UDRF, MU Vice-Chancellor, Prof Ravindra Kulkarni, said, "The introduction of the University Department Ranking Framework is a significant step toward fostering academic excellence and innovative research. This evaluation process will motivate departments to focus on their strengths, continuously upgrade their capabilities, and align with global quality standards." This framework is expected to enhance the university’s academic ecosystem by fostering healthy competition among departments and encouraging a culture of continuous improvement. Evaluation Criteria The ranking framework is based on six key evaluation criteria: Research and Professional Activities Departmental Administration and Management Student Support, Achievements, and Progression Teaching, Learning, and Assessment Processes Faculty Output Conferences, Workshops, and Collaborations These criteria encompass grants and funding received from government agencies and industries, research and development outcomes, publications, patents, academic collaborations, student achievements, alumni support, and green initiatives, among other factors. External expert committees will evaluate the departments in each category. Departments with lower rankings will be encouraged to improve and will receive guidance through the 'VC Initiative Mechanism' to support necessary reforms. The University’s Research and Development Cell (RDC), Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), NIRF Cell, and Board of Deans have played key roles in shaping this framework.

19 September,2024 01:03 PM IST | Mumbai | Dipti Singh
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