PUNE: From next week onwards, higher educational institutes (HEIs) in the State will have to follow the mandate of singing the national anthem before starting the day and at public events, stated State Minister of Higher and Technical Education Uday Samant on Wednesday. He was in the city for various programmes.
The State government recently announced this mandate. “We are planning to implement it from February 19 on the occasion of Shiv Jayanti,” said Samant, while interacting with HEIs representatives.
“There are about 30 lakh students studying in colleges in the State. Even if there is 50 per cent attendance, 15 lakh students will start their day with the national anthem every day. We will be the first State to implement it,” said Samant.
He announced a committee will be set up to review engineering colleges, which face 50 per cent vacancies.
In regards to the Common Entrance Test (CET) form filling issue, Samant stated, “It has come to my notice that students making mistakes while filling the form are not be able to seek refund of form fee when cancelling the online application. I have communicated with the CET commissioner to make provisions for refund of their money.”
Samant added, “A few changes are required in the clauses of Maharashtra State Public Universities Act, 2016. A high-level committee will be set up to look into the problems and resolve them. If necessary, then amendments will be made too.”
Maharashtra Legislative Council Deputy Chairman Neelam Gorhe of the Shiv Sena, who was present at the meet, said colleges have been asked to submit a report on the status of implementation of anti-ragging act and on activities undertaken for zero sexual harassment at their institutes within three months. The report will also highlight the best practices followed in colleges regarding these aspects.
“A committee will be set up including representatives from the police, social activists working in the field of women’s safety and others to review the sexual harassment cases. All colleges will be asked to submit a report on the formation of the internal complaints committees (ICC) and what action have been taken by them so far. The committees will also recommend what needs to be done to ensure the safety of women on campuses and counsel male students in the colleges,” added Samant.
Samant said regular meetings to resolve issues and keep communication with HEIs will be held along with the heads of institutions in the city, once every three months.
