Maharashtra's higher and technical education department is taking a closer look at pharmacy colleges approved in the last three years, following complaints that some institutions submitted forged documents to gain approvals. This action comes amidst a boom in pharmacy education, coupled with concerns about vacant seats in colleges across the state.
The department has instructed the Maharashtra State Board of Technical Education (MSBTE) to reinspect colleges that received approvals in the academic years 2022-23, 2023-24, and 2024-25. The complaints allege that these colleges submitted fabricated documents, including certified maps, non-agricultural certificates, possession certificates, and utility certificates, to both central and state government authorities.
MSBTE has been directed to verify the validity of the submitted documents with the relevant authorities and to submit a detailed, institution-wise inspection report. This report must confirm whether the colleges possess adequate academic facilities. The Directorate of Technical Education (DTE) has also issued a letter instructing regional joint directors to verify documents according to the Pharmacy Council of India's (PCI) standard inspection format.
This scrutiny occurs against the backdrop of a significant increase in pharmacy colleges, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic. The Directorate of Technical Education (DTE) has observed a surge in the number of pharmacy colleges, driven by increased awareness among students and parents regarding career opportunities in the pharmaceutical sector. However, this rapid growth has led to concerns about maintaining quality and filling available seats.
In response to these challenges, the higher education department has decided to halt the approval of new pharmacy colleges in Maharashtra for the next five years. Minister Chandrakant Patil stated that the focus would shift to enhancing infrastructure, research, and placements at existing colleges. Furthermore, the admission capacity of existing institutions will not be increased. Data from the higher education department reveals that many colleges have struggled to fill their seats, with some having fewer than 10 students enrolled. This has resulted in a considerable number of vacant seats in both diploma and degree programs.
To address the issue of vacant seats and align the number of pharmacy graduates with actual employment needs, a comprehensive plan for pharmacy education from 2025 to 2031 has been developed. This plan considers industrial requirements, job opportunities, alternative career paths for pharmacists, and incentives for employment. The state government has also requested the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) to coordinate efforts to implement the new policy effectively. The PCI is the primary body responsible for granting recognition to new pharmacy colleges at the national level.
Adding to the complexities, pharmacy colleges have faced delays in the admission process due to the PCI's delayed approval process. Yearly approvals are mandatory, and the State CET cell cannot begin the centralized admission process until the PCI completes its approval process. These delays have impacted students and created a rush to complete the syllabus. The PCI has extended the deadline for the completion or approval process of pharmacy institutions up to August 31, and the appeal/compliance process until September 30, for the year 2025-2026. Concerns have been raised about the approval process not being completed in time, which has caused admissions to be delayed.
These recent developments highlight the challenges and changes within Maharashtra's pharmacy education sector. The state government is trying to strike a balance between the growing demand for pharmacy education and the need to maintain quality and standards, while addressing concerns about forged documents and vacant seats.
