Ratan Tata to Head Mumbai University's First Advisory Council

The state's Governor Bhagat Singh Koshiyari nominated industrialist Ratan Tata as the chairman of Mumbai University's first Advisory Council. The council responsibility is to advise the university's vice-chancellor in academic research and development, administration and governance. It will also look after the working of the university and offer critical analysis regularly. Renowned nuclear scientist Anil Kakodkar was also selected as a member of the council.

As per the Maharashtra Public Universities' Act of 2016 provisions, an advisory council is set up in the university for the first time. Earlier, University laws in the state never required an advisory council.

A statement issued by the university, "Ratan Tata has been nominated as the chairman, as the Act has a provision to appoint an eminent industrialist who has proven experience in the changing scenario of opportunities for youth and global trends in education. As the head of Tata Group, Tata has navigated the companies to greater heights in India and globally while retaining the Tata ethos and values." Over the next three to five years, this will be of great benefit to the long-term goal-setting of the university, it further added.

Sujata Saunik, IAS officer, additional chief secretary to the state government, was also chosen on the council. While Suhas Pednekar, the university's vice-chancellor and Ravindra Kulkarni, pro-vice-chancellor, will be ex-officio members on the council, an educationist and a social leader are yet to be designated on the council.

In keeping track of various reforms and policies, the advisory council will play a very active role. It will also regularly make a periodic report on the development, progress, and working of the university to the chancellor and will also advise the university about strategic perspective planning. The council will meet at least twice a year.