Mumbai University budget allots funds for Fort library revamp, Rs 3 cr for girls hostel

After having two years of surplus budget, the University of Mumbai passed a deficit budget for 2018-19 on Friday. With a deficit of Rs 51.10 crore, the varsity tabled its annual budget at Rs 572.60 crore in its budgetary Senate.

The varsity has allocated Rs 3.50 crore for the construction of a museum complex and Rs 3 crore for the construction of a 100-room guest house. Another Rs 2 crore has been allocated for a convention centre. "We have a lot of art and architecture colleges where students' projects are very good. This museum in the Kalina campus can host all of them," said Dr Devanand Shinde, in-charge vice-Chancellor, University of Mumbai.

The varsity has allocated Rs 3 crore for the construction or a 500-room hostel for girls at Kalina. "Currently, three girls need to share a room. With a new hostel, this issue can be resolved," said Shinde. The varsity also plans to upgrade the library in Fort. "It has a big history and we want to work towards making it well-equipped with modern facilities."

With the varsity getting a fully functional Senate after three years, the session was full of questions and issue-based discussions.

Several newly appointed members raised an objection to the fact that they got no time to study the agenda and submit their questions for the Senate. "We were elected on March 18 which was the last day to submit questions for the budget session. It is unfair that some of us did not get the opportunity to submit our questions," said Tahir Mohammed from the Bombay University College Teachers Union (BUCTU). While the budget was tabled on Friday, discussion on the various heads would take place only on Saturday.