The Governing Council: When it comes to shaping the future of art education in Maharashtra, it’s not just educators or artists calling the shots. Behind the scenes of every curriculum change, exam reform, or student initiative stands a powerful and strategic decision-making body—the Governing Council of the Maharashtra State Board of Art Education (MSBAE).
This council doesn’t just exist on paper. It plays a central role in translating policy into practice, ensuring that visual art education across the state remains inclusive, high-quality, and aligned with both cultural heritage and contemporary needs.
The Power Behind the Board: What Is the Governing Council?
Formed under The Maharashtra State Board of Art Education Act, 2023, the Governing Council is the top-level authority tasked with overseeing diploma-level art education in the state. It sets the vision, approves the rules, and ensures that Maharashtra’s art education ecosystem runs smoothly—from policy-making down to individual institute regulation.
Think of it as the guiding hand behind the Directorate of Art (DOA) and its operational wing, the MSBAE.
Who’s at the Table? Composition of the Governing Council
The council is carefully designed to include a mix of policymakers, government officials, education leaders, and experienced artists. Here’s how it breaks down:
Core Leadership:
- President: The Minister of Higher and Technical Education, Government of Maharashtra. Their leadership ensures policy alignment with state-level education goals.
- Vice-President: The Minister of State for Higher and Technical Education, bringing political support and continuity.
Ex-Officio Members:
These are senior officials who serve by virtue of their position:
- Secretary, Higher and Technical Education (or nominee)
- Director, Directorate of Art
- Director of MSBAE (who also acts as Member-Secretary of the council)
- Deputy Director (Administration), DOA
- Secretary, MSBAE
- Chairman of the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (or nominee)
- Development Commissioner (Industries) or nominee
This diverse lineup ensures smooth coordination across education and industry sectors.
Nominated Members:
- Three senior practicing artists, appointed by the government, with a requirement that at least one be a woman and one from a reserved category (SC/ST/OBC/SBC/NT/VJNT).
- Additional members may be added at the government’s discretion.
All nominated members are announced via the Maharashtra Government Gazette and typically serve for a five-year term.
What Does the Council Do? Roles and Responsibilities
This is where policy meets practice. The Governing Council isn’t a symbolic body—it’s the engine behind the decisions that shape art education across Maharashtra.
1. Sets Policy Direction
The council defines the roadmap for art education in the state. Whether it’s introducing a new syllabus or reforming exams, these changes start here.
2. Approves Regulations
It reviews and clears the operational rules and bylaws that govern affiliated colleges and the MSBAE itself.
3. Manages Budgets and Finances
From approving annual budgets to monitoring the use of funds, financial control is a key part of its role.
4. Handles College Affiliations
The council decides which art colleges can affiliate (or remain affiliated) with the Board based on performance, infrastructure, and inspection reports.
5. Oversees Examinations
From the Elementary and Intermediate Drawing exams to advanced diploma-level assessments, the council ensures all exams are fair, timely, and transparent.
6. Promotes Art Education
It supports events like art exhibitions, workshops, and state-level competitions that give students exposure and recognition.
7. Acts as Final Authority on Disputes
If serious student or institutional grievances arise and cannot be resolved at lower levels, the council steps in as the final appellate body.
8. Reviews Institutional Performance
It periodically evaluates the effectiveness of affiliated institutes, ensuring that quality and standards are consistently upheld.
Meeting Mandates: How Often Does It Convene?
The council is required to meet at least three times a year, with no more than four months between meetings. These gatherings are crucial for reviewing ongoing initiatives, approving new policies, and addressing any urgent educational concerns.
Final Thoughts: The Council Behind the Canvas
Art may be about expression and creativity, but its foundation—especially in formal education—requires structure, strategy, and thoughtful governance. The Governing Council of the MSBAE ensures that Maharashtra’s rich visual arts tradition is not only preserved but also evolved to meet future challenges.
By bringing together experienced artists, educators, bureaucrats, and government leaders, this council ensures that every decision made today supports the development of tomorrow’s artists.
So next time you see a curriculum update or a state-level art exhibition, know that a diverse, dedicated team is working behind the scenes—crafting policies that shape how art is taught, practiced, and celebrated in Maharashtra.
