A session on "Autonomous Colleges: Opportunities and Challenges"
A session on "Autonomous Colleges: Opportunities and Challenges" was organized on September 8, 2025 with the objective of sensitizing stakeholders to the regulatory framework, institutional requirements, and quality benchmarks associated with attaining autonomous status. The session was graced by Sr. Monina Suchiang, Provincial of the South Asia province, Mrs. Nandini Nandini Bhattacharjee, Director, Loreto Education Board and Sr. Dr. A. Nirmala, Teacher-in-Charge, Loreto College whose guidance and encouragement added value to the discourse.
As part of the benchmarking exercise, five autonomous colleges were visited by the Committee on Autonomy to gain first-hand insights into their academic and administrative functioning: St. Xavier's College, Kolkata; Ramakrishna Mission Vidyamandir, Belur; Salesian College, Siliguri; Raja Narendralal Women's College, Medinipur; and Behala College, Kolkata.
The presentation outlined the key dimensions of autonomy-academic, administrative, and financial. Emphasis was placed on curriculum flexibility, introduction of skill-based and value-added programmes, independent examination systems, and the need for statutory bodies and strengthened governance mechanisms. The importance of financial planning and sustainability was also highlighted.
The session underscored that stakeholder readiness, robust quality assurance practices, technology integration, and participatory leadership are critical for the effective implementation and sustenance of autonomy.
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