India, April 3 -- In a major policy shift, the state Higher and Technical Education department decided to make affiliation with Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological University (BATU) optional for technical colleges. An ordinance is expected next week. Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil made the announcement during a media interaction in Pune on Thursday.

BATU, established as a technological university, was envisioned as an umbrella body for all technical institutions in the state. From around 2016-17 onwards, engineering, pharmacy, and management colleges were directed to affiliate with BATU, moving away from their parent universities. However, the move faced resistance from several colleges across Maharashtra.

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