Tamil Nadu moves to grant autonomous status to 10 government arts colleges

The Tamil Nadu government has initiated steps to grant autonomous status to 10 government arts and science colleges this academic year, as part of a larger plan to convert 30 such institutions over the next five years, according to the state's vision document. The Directorate of Collegiate Education (DCE) has instructed the following colleges to begin the application process with the University Grants Commission (UGC): Chikkanna Government Arts College, Tiruppur; LRG Government Arts College for Women, Tiruppur; Thiruvalluvar Government Arts College, Rasipuram; and M V Muthiah Government Arts College for Women, Dindigul. The autonomy push comes as 16 Tamil Nadu state universities currently operate without regular vice-chancellors, highlighting a leadership shortage in higher education.