Mumbai, April 13 (NationPress) The Chancellor of Universities and Governor of Maharashtra, Jishnu Dev Varma, asserted on Monday that the current representation of only one or two universities from the state in national rankings is inadequate and needs rectification.

He pointed out that, despite the relatively recent establishment of cluster universities, their associated colleges hold significant credibility and reputation. As such, he called for these universities to make substantial efforts to enhance their rankings on a national level.

The remarks were made during a review meeting focused on four cluster universities of the state, held at Lok Bhavan.

Present at the meeting were 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.

While emphasizing the vision of a Viksit Bharat, the Governor highlighted the necessity of completely eliminating tuberculosis. He encouraged cluster universities to actively engage students in the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.

He proposed organizing poster competitions, jingles in Marathi and Hindi, along with other creative initiatives to raise awareness.

During the meeting, representatives from the universities discussed the implementation of the National Education Policy, innovative courses, exemplary practices, research initiatives, skill-based programs, student enrollment, significant accomplishments, and collaborations with both national and international entities.

In another announcement, Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat revealed that the deadline for submitting representations or applications concerning the sub-categorization of Scheduled Caste reservations in the state has been extended to April 30.

This development follows a report presented to the government by a one-member committee led by Justice Anant Manohar Badar (Retired Judge, Patna High Court) on March 16, 2026.

To address this report, the government formed a high-level committee under the Chief Secretary's leadership on April 10, 2026, which is responsible for gathering objections, opinions, and conducting subsequent hearings.

This extension aims to provide more time for interested parties, organizations, and citizens to submit their feedback regarding the committee's findings through the official email portal dg-sw@barti.in.

The decision is intended to ensure a more inclusive and transparent review process before any final administrative decisions are taken regarding the restructuring of Scheduled Caste reservations within Maharashtra.