Mumbai, Oct 28 (NationPress) During his first interaction with the Vice Chancellors of non-agricultural universities in Maharashtra, Governor Acharya Devvrat emphasized that the role of universities extends beyond just providing literacy and awarding degrees. They must also prioritize skill-based education, foster entrepreneurship, and cultivate responsible citizens who can contribute to realizing the vision of 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047.

In this initial video conference, the Governor laid out several significant directives for the universities. These included the submission of quarterly progress reports to Raj Bhavan, the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, a sincere introduction of the Indian Knowledge System (IKS), encouragement for students to actively engage in sports and physical activities, and initiatives to enhance national level institutional rankings.

Additionally, he urged universities to focus on skill-based education specifically for female students and to work towards women empowerment. He called for transparency, efficiency, and integrity within administration, regular inspections of hostels, messes, and sanitation facilities, and diligent implementation of the School Connect Programme to boost higher education enrollment, as mentioned in a release from the Governor’s office.

The Governor noted that despite Maharashtra being an educationally advanced state, the decline in university rankings amidst increasing competition is alarming and requires immediate corrective actions.

He mandated that each university submit a quarterly report to Raj Bhavan detailing both accomplishments and challenges.

Stressing the importance of sports, the Governor remarked, "If young people do not engage in physical activities and do not play, their energy could find negative outlets."

He emphasized the necessity for universities and colleges to maintain their playgrounds and sports facilities, strengthen sports departments, and monitor student usage of these amenities.

The Governor further directed that universities must provide this data to Raj Bhavan within the next three months.

He highlighted the need for collaboration with the Women and Child Welfare Department to foster skill development and empowerment for female students.

Moreover, he called for universities to ensure their administration is clean, transparent, and dynamic.

Governor Devvrat stated that for India to reclaim its past glory, its youth represent the nation’s greatest asset.

“Today’s students are perceptive. They observe their teachers’ behavior, punctuality, and knowledge updates. Therefore, educators must maintain discipline, be knowledgeable, and punctual,” he added.

The Governor urged Vice Chancellors and officials to routinely inspect hostels, messes, and sanitation facilities to ensure cleanliness. Reflecting on his experience as Governor of Himachal Pradesh, he recalled witnessing poor sanitation in some universities and stressed that leaders should personally visit these places and even share meals with students rather than leaving responsibilities solely to wardens.

He asserted that hostels should not become addiction centers, emphasizing the moral obligation to prevent this. Universities should host lectures and workshops on de-addiction to educate students about the harms of substance abuse. He proposed that students, along with NSS and NCC volunteers, should actively participate in tree plantation and de-addiction campaigns, while the IKS should be integrated to provide moral and ethical education.

The Governor noted that if universities connect with schools and encourage students to pursue higher education, the current Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) of 27% could see significant improvement. He recommended that universities track graduates' career paths, maintain strong alumni relationships, and organize annual alumni gatherings.

Governor Devvrat also recalled his personal involvement in a seven-day cleanliness drive at a university campus during his term in Gujarat and announced his intention to conduct similar initiatives at universities in Maharashtra.