Maharashtra Self-Financed Universities Must Have Marathi Departments

Maharashtra Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil has directed all self-financed universities in the state to establish dedicated Marathi language departments.

This directive was given during a review meeting with the chairpersons of sponsoring bodies and vice-chancellors of self-financed universities at Dr Homi Bhabha State University in Mumbai. The meeting focused on the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and academic standards across such institutions.

The minister emphasized the importance of prioritizing quality education and the overall development of students while ensuring effective implementation of NEP 2020. He also called for more effective implementation of initiatives aimed at benefiting students.

The meeting reviewed the progress made by universities in implementing internships and four-year undergraduate degree programmes under NEP 2020. Patil directed universities to regularly upload information related to Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) and Gross Participation Ratio (GPR) on the AISHE portal and keep the required information updated on the Higher and Technical Education Department’s dashboard.

The minister also asked universities to accelerate the process of securing NAAC and NBA accreditation to improve academic standards. He called for measures to increase participation in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF).

Additionally, Patil directed universities to ensure that all enrolled students receive an APAAR ID and that 100 per cent mapping of these IDs with the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) is completed. Universities were also asked to ensure student registration on relevant state and national-level portals.

The functioning of statutory authorities established under the Maharashtra Self-Financed Universities (Establishment and Regulation) Act was also reviewed. The meeting examined whether regular meetings of the Governing Body, Board of Management, Academic Council and Board of Examinations were being held, whether decisions on required matters were being taken and whether those decisions were being effectively implemented.

The meeting also discussed providing educational opportunities to students from low-income groups. A proposal to provide a 50 per cent fee concession to 10 per cent of students was discussed. Patil said universities should take necessary measures while upholding their social responsibility and keeping student welfare at the centre of their functioning.

The directive to establish Marathi language departments is expected to promote the language and culture of Maharashtra. The move is seen as a step towards preserving the state's linguistic heritage and promoting regional language education.

In conclusion, the directive by Minister Chandrakant Patil is a significant step towards promoting quality education and preserving the linguistic heritage of Maharashtra. The establishment of Marathi language departments in self-financed universities will not only promote the language but also provide students with a deeper understanding of the state's culture and history.

The move is also expected to have a positive impact on the overall development of students in Maharashtra. By providing students with access to quality education and promoting regional language education, the state government is taking a significant step towards creating a more educated and culturally aware population.

Overall, the directive is a welcome move and is expected to have a positive impact on the education sector in Maharashtra. It is a step towards creating a more inclusive and culturally aware education system that promotes the linguistic heritage of the state.