Maharashtra Association of Social Work Educators (MASWE) has raised its voice against the action by the Commissioner of Social Development Om Prakash Bakoria, who withdrew recognition of three social work colleges in the Vidarbha region.
Social Work College, Kamptee; Aniket College of Social Work, Wardha, and SRM College of Social Work, Chandrapur are the sufferers of the decision of Bakoria. MASWE has alleged that Bakoria’s action is against the principles of natural justice and also in contravention of the Maharashtra Public Universities Act 2016.
A meeting of MASWE was held under the chairmanship of its founder president Ambadas Mohite.
Managements of these colleges have moved the court against orders of Bakoria.
Meanwhile, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University also issued letters to Social Work College, Kamptee and Aniket College of Social Work relating to their disaffiliation by the University. The University has withdrawn affiliation of two colleges following the decision of Bakoria. SRM College of Social Work is affiliated to Gondwana University, Gadchiroli.
Bakoria has taken action after several years of existence and functioning of these colleges. The procedure of clearing the proposals through the social welfare department and University were completed. The Social Welfare Department also conducted inspections of these colleges and cleared the proposals. The University granted approvals to teachers.
If Bakoria is right in his decision, the role of the officers in the Social Welfare Department and the Universities also should be scrutinized. While punishing the colleges the roles of those who cleared the proposals or granted affiliation, should also be reviewed.