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Maharashtra Governor Urges Universities to Climb National Rankings

Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma has called for state universities to improve their standing in national rankings, noting only a few currently feature. He reviewed four cluster universities, urging them to involve students in the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan through awareness campaigns. Meanwhile, the state government has extended the deadline for public feedback on the sub-categorisation of Scheduled Caste reservations to April 30. This follows a report by a committee and aims to ensure a transparent review process.

Key Points: Maharashtra Governor Calls for Better University Rankings

  • Governor reviews cluster universities
  • Stresses need for better national rankings
  • Urges student role in TB eradication
  • Universities present NEP progress
  • SC reservation feedback deadline extended
2 min read

Maha Guv calls for better national rankings of universities​

Governor Jishnu Dev Varma emphasizes improving national rankings for state universities and student involvement in TB eradication campaign.

"only one or two universities in the state currently feature in national rankings, and this must change - Jishnu Dev Varma"

Mumbai, April 13

The Governor of Maharashtra and Chancellor of Universities, Jishnu Dev Varma, on Monday emphasised that only one or two universities in the state currently feature in national rankings, and this must change.​

He noted that although cluster universities are relatively new, their affiliated colleges are well-established and reputed. Therefore, these universities must make concerted efforts to improve their standing in national rankings, he stated.​

The Governor was speaking at a review meeting of four cluster universities of the state held at Lok Bhavan.​

The meeting was attended by Dr Hemlata Bagla, Vice-Chancellor of HSNC University; Prof Rajneesh Kamat, Vice-Chancellor of Dr Homi Bhabha State University; Chandrakant Dalvi, Provost; Dr Gnyandev Mhaske, Vice-Chancellor of Karmaveer Bhaurao Patil University, Satara; and Dr D. T. Shirke, Vice-Chancellor of Warana University, Warananagar, along with other university officials.​

Highlighting the goal of Viksit Bharat, the Governor stressed the need to completely eradicate tuberculosis. He urged cluster universities to actively involve students in the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.

He suggested organising poster competitions, jingles in Marathi and Hindi, and other innovative activities to promote awareness.​

During the meeting, the universities presented on the implementation of the National Education Policy, innovative courses, best practices, research projects, skill-based programmes, student enrolment, notable achievements, and collaborations with national and international institutions.​

Meanwhile, Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat announced today that the deadline for submitting representations or applications regarding the sub-categorisation of Scheduled Caste reservations in the state has been extended to April 30.​

The development follows the submission of a report by a one-member committee, headed by Justice Anant Manohar Badar (Retired Judge, Patna High Court), which was presented to the government on March 16, 2026.

To process this report, the government established a high-level committee under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary on April 10, 2026, tasked with inviting objections and opinions and conducting subsequent hearings.​

The decision was made to allow interested parties, organisations, and citizens more time to register their opinions or objections via email regarding the committee's findings. Interested individuals or groups are encouraged to submit their formal representations or applications through the official email portal dg-sw@barti.in.​

This extension aims to ensure a more inclusive and transparent review process before any final administrative decisions are made regarding the restructuring of Scheduled Caste reservations within Maharashtra.​

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Rankings are important, but they shouldn't be the only goal. The real measure is whether graduates are getting good jobs and contributing to society. Linking student activities to TB eradication is a nice, practical touch for social responsibility. 👍
A
Aditya G
With all due respect to the Governor, simply holding review meetings and asking for "concerted efforts" won't magically improve rankings. There needs to be a clear roadmap, significant funding allocation, and autonomy for these universities to innovate. The current approach feels like tokenism.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see the dual focus on education and public health in one meeting. Involving young people in awareness campaigns through jingles and posters is a smart way to leverage their creativity for a national cause like TB eradication.
K
Karthik V
The article jumps from university rankings to SC reservation sub-categorisation. Both are critical issues for Maharashtra, but it's a bit of a jarring shift. Hope the extension for public opinion on reservations leads to a fair and well-considered outcome. Jai Maharashtra!
M
Meera T
As a parent, I want my children to study in top-ranked institutions without having to move to Delhi or Bangalore. Improving the standing of our home state universities is crucial for retaining local talent. The cluster university model has potential if supported properly.

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