India, April 5 -- Out of 890 colleges affiliated with the University of Mumbai (MU), a staggering 151 are operating without a permanent principal, according to a disclosure made by the university during its latest senate meeting. While all the 151 colleges are presently overseen by temporary or 'in-charge' principals, 94 colleges have not had a regular principal for over a year, highlighting systemic challenges facing higher education institutions as they navigate reforms outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP).

Professor Hanumant Sutar, a representative of teachers in the senate who raised concerns about these vacancies, outlined three key contributing factors - indefinite delay in government approvals for appointments, unwillin...