State Mulls Over Getting UG Tech Education Under One University

Pune: Higher and Technical Education Minister Rajesh Tope said that bringing under-graduate (UG) level technical education under the proposed technological university and leaving post-graduate level technical studies under the conventional state universities, remains a serious option that is under consideration by the state government. He also added that this is essential to ensure uniformity and quality at UG level technical education.

Tope brushed aside the suggestion that there was opposition from the vice-chancellors (VCs) of different state universities to the independent technological university move. He also added that technological universities have proved to be a success in states like Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu and the same will be the case in Maharashtra. He said that there is no opposition to the move from any quarters. Also, on the location of the tech university Tope insisted that the state cabinet will soon take a final call on where to establish the university.

While speaking on reforms in higher education, he said the three high-powered committees set up on August 25, 2010, under former Atomic Energy Commission chairman Anil Kakodkar; former IGNOU vice-chancellor Ram Takwale and former UGC chief Arun Nigavekar, have submitted their draft reports, which are currently with the secretary to higher and technical education. He also informed that the Kakodkar-led panel which will have an overarching role in the reforms process, have sought some time to fine tune the draft and present a final report. He also added that they hope the process will be completed soon.