Growing political interference in the so called autonomous universities has taken its first victim. The Vice-Chancellor of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Technical University (BATU), Lonere, Dr V N Shastri has tendered resignation , It is stated that he was fed up with interference from political leaders and government officers in the functioning of the university.
Dr Shastri, who took over as VC of BATU in March 2019, was instrumental in the quality of education, upgradation of research facilities and improving connectivity of the university with various reputed institutions and universities across the world.
Dr Shashtri was appointed VC, looking into his distinguished work in teaching, administration and research. Within two years, he resigned from the post owing to interference of government authorities.
Maharashtra Governor Bhagatsingh Koshyari has directed Dr Aniruddha Pandit, VC of Institute of Chemical Technology to take additional charge of BATU.
Following enforcement of Maharashtra Public Universities Act 2016, political interference has increased in the functioning of the universities all over the state. The new Act was launched with projection that it has been framed to grant more autonomy to the universities. However, more of interference was evident with a large number of inclusion of government officers in various university bodies.
The elected representatives were replaced by nominated ones. Those in power used their influence in getting nominated their own persons on important university bodies. Even Vice-Chancellors are appointed under political pressures. This was evident at various universities in the state after the new Act came into force.
Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur; Sant Gadgebaba Amravatk University, Anravati; Gondwana University, Gadchiroli in Vidarbha region are o exception to this experience of political interference
