Chandrakant Patil, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding students’ academic interests, has instructed authorities to press criminal charges against educational institutions engaging in deception. This directive follows a scam at Baliram Hire College in Mumbai, where 132 students were misled with unauthorized courses and degrees. The institute, despite being recognized for architectural studies, operated without University Grants Commission approval, leading to immediate legal action.
Minister Patil urged students to verify course accreditations on official websites before enrolling, cautioning against unscrupulous institutions. To prevent future fraud, a Standard Operating Procedure will be established, and measures under relevant laws will be taken against unauthorized institutes. Additionally, a Government Resolution has been issued for the ‘Chief Minister Student Science Yatra,’ offering students exposure to leading research institutions like NASA and ISRO, aligning with the National Education Policy 2020.
Under this initiative, over 2,000 taluka-level winners and supervisors will visit regional science centers, funded by the District Planning Committee. District and state-level winners, along with teachers, will have the opportunity to visit ISRO in Bengaluru, with financial support from the government. Notably, top young scientists will embark on an educational trip to NASA in the US, supported by transparent selection committees and monitoring by the State Institute of Science Education, Nagpur.
Minister Pankaj Bhoyar highlighted the program’s aim to provide diverse students with hands-on research experiences, fostering future scientists. The initiative, designed to transcend traditional learning methods, aims to inspire students from rural backgrounds by enabling visits to prestigious institutions. Bhoyar expressed confidence in nurturing the scientists of tomorrow through this transformative initiative.
