Maharashtra to set up separate varsity for Konkan: Higher Education Minister

Queried on varsity level students’ polls, he said a segment was in favour while the other was not, adding that experts will be consulted by the state government to move ahead.

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The previous BJP-led Maharashtra government had last year decided to revive students elections, which were banned since 1993, and fresh polls were supposed to be held in 11 universities and affiliated colleges. However, they were kept in abeyance due to the October Assembly polls.

Samant said “principally” everybody in the present government was of the opinion that the (previous government’s) decision of students elections was not appropriate and should be changed. He said a separate academy for professors will be set up in Pune.

Samant said the state government has decided to lift a stay on giving approvals to new libraries in the state. “Since 2012, no permission for new libraries have been given as there was a cabinet decision. We will lift the stay and start giving the permissions to new libraries,” he added.

Asked about a Congress leader’s statement seeking cancellation of appointment of “pro-RSS vice chancellors”, Samant said it was not appropriate for him to comment as appointments of VCs are done by the governor.

He said focus would be on bettering the quality of education, building infrastructure and increasing skills of teachers.

Samant was in Savitribai Phule Pune University to hold meetings with education officials.